The Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) is part of the Energy and Climate Change Research Division within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton.
The University of Southampton’s mission is ‘to change the world for the better’ by building on our global reputation for delivering world-class education, research and innovation that makes a real impact on society’s biggest challenges. The University is one of the founding members of the prestigious and research-intensive UK Russell Group, an organisation that brings together the knowledge and resources of the 24 top UK Universities to: protect and improve the quality of University teaching, support and enable innovative research projects, and build stronger links with business leaders and policy makers. The University is a member of the World Universities Network (WUN), comprising 19 research-intensive institutions spanning six continents, a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and attracts students from over 130 different countries benefitting from a wide and varied culture.
The University’s income in in the 2018 financial year was £583million, with a research grants income of £117million, from the UK Research Councils, UK based charities, the EU, UK Central Government/local authorities/health authorities and hospitals, and from UK public corporations/industry and commerce. The University has internationally leading experts in designing and managing research programmes. The current value of managed research contracts is over £150M spanning multidisciplinary including engineering, social science and health. Such leadership is attained through developed knowhow, management and processes to deliver projects to the highest standards and required deadlines.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2020, published 16 October 2019, the University of Southampton is ranked 6th in the UK, 18th in Europe and 76th in the world for Engineering & Technology.
Within the University of Southampton, energy research and development is conducted within the Energy & Climate Change Division (ECCD) encompassing the Sustainable Energy Research Group, established and led by Prof AbuBakr Bahaj since 1990. ECCD/SERG research profiles include fundamental understanding applicable to renewable energy studies, energy efficiency and energy for development.
Current research and development areas within ECCD/SERG encompass (i) Renewable Energy, (ii) Energy Access, (iii) Cities, Energy & Infrastructure, (iv) Healthy Buildings & Communities (v) Energy & Behaviour, (vi) Coasts & Climate and (vii) fundamental research undertaken by PhD Researchers.