About us

The Institute was formed in 2001, based on the traditional disciplines of Chemical Engineering and Mineral Process Engineering and has since then expanded rapidly in the Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering, the emerging area of Nano-Manufacturing, and most recently in the development of chemical processes in collaboration with the School of Chemistry (Institute of Process Research and Development).

Our research activities encompass Colloid, Nanoparticle and Interfacial Engineering; Multi-scale and Systems Modelling; Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemicals; Mineral and Waste Processing; Powder and Formulation Engineering; and In-Process Measurement and Control of Process Systems. Our focus is on the engineering science of particulate processes and products by applying an integrated approach to their design and manufacture from molecular level to large-scale production plants.

We place a strong emphasis on transfer of knowledge to industry and technology transfer organisations. This takes the form of licences, spin-out activities, IP filings, consultancies, conference organisation and training through short courses (at the University or within companies).

Know how and patented technology generated by staff belongs to the University and is re-assigned to interested parties such as collaborating partners. Several licences are agreed annually - Industrial Tomography Systems and Structure Vision are two examples. Patents held by staff can be seen under their publication lists.