Research groups and centres

Set up in 1996 to promote Biomathematics and Biostatistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Biomathematics Research Centre has a number of research groups. Learn more about the centre.

Biomedical engineering is an active area of research at the University of Canterbury with a robust postgraduate programme. We are active in research that integrates principles of engineering and biological sciences to develop technologies and treatments to improve human health

UC's Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (INBI) aims to contribute to increased understanding and more effective management of emerging biotechnologies. Learn about the Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety.

UC's Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology (CEAME) is a partnership approach for training students by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and UC's School of Biological Sciences. Learn more about the Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology. 

UC's Cluster for Community and Urban Resilience (CURe) is a transdisciplinary research team that seeks to build the resilience of communities through innovative, collaborative, and inclusive research that's focused on equitable and sustainable urban systems. Learn about our Cluster for Community and Urban Resilience.

The Joint Postgraduate School Food Transitions 2050 is a partnership initiative between UC, Lincoln University, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and AgResearch. Learn about Food Transitions 2050.

Gateway Antarctica is the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research at UC. We aim to enhance understanding of Antarctica in the context of the global environment. The centre is a focal point for Antarctic study. Learn about Gateway Antarctica.

The New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies (NZCHAS) brings together scholars from the humanities and social sciences whose research and teaching is concerned with the conceptual and material treatment of nonhuman animals in culture, society, and history.

The New Zealand South Asia Centre (NZSAC) at UC is designed to promote recognition and understanding of South Asian societies and cultures in New Zealand.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre (NTRC) was founded to be a leader in indigenous scholarship and  provide a centre for the intellectual capital and development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of the southern region of New Zealand.

UC's Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research is a state of the art facility at St Georges Medical Centre. It helps people with swallowing and communication disorders recover function or improve sufficiently to gain the best possible quality of life. Learn more about the Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research.

The Spatial Engineering Research Centre (SERC) is an academic research centre hosted by UC's College of Engineering. The SERC team includes experienced research scientists, engineers, and PhD and graduate students, who can support a range of geospatial technologies.

UC's Electric Power Engineering Centre (EPECentre) is New Zealand’s pioneering research centre for electric power and clean energy applications. Learn about our Electric Power Engineering Centre.

Te Ru Rangahau | The Maori Research Laboratory supports and promotes the Strategy for Māori Development at UC. We support advancing indigenous postgraduates and research that's responsive to Māori and indigenous needs and aspirations. Learn more.

UC's Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory does applied research in health geography, spatial epidemiology, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It focuses on how the local and national contexts shape health outcomes and health inequalities. Learn more about our GeoHealth Laboratory.

Disasters are social phenomena, caused by society’s inability to cope with hazards. The Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters (LEAD) combines multi-disciplinary researchers based at UC's Faculty of Law. We work on all aspects of law, governance, and disasters. 

UC CEISMIC Canterbury Earthquake Digital Archive is a comprehensive digital archive of video, audio, documents and images related to the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

The Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management strives to bring bright minds and broad skillsets together to address freshwater challenges in Aotearoa and beyond. Our research delivers insights into freshwater quantities, variability and processes ki uta ki tai, from the mountains to the sea. Learn about Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management.

The Wireless Research Centre (WRC) is one of UC's leading industry-facing research centres. It supports industry to pave the way for the next generation of products. We research and develop innovative solutions that have a positive impact on the community and economy.

UC's Wood Technology Research Centre enables information exchange between staff engaged in wood-related research. It facilitates the shared use of research facilities, enhances research programmes, and promotes technology transfer to end users.