Check back to see upcoming events in Computer Science.
Computer Science
Our research in computer science focuses on improving the taught curriculum and enhancing the student experience whilst supporting the needs of local industry and society.
The applied focus calls for interdisciplinary research that draws on wider expertise and partnerships. Impact is generated through close working with partners, an approach that underpins everything that we do. Expertise developed provides disciplinary inputs to projects, alongside knowledge of leading-edge research.
Research areas
Applied Research in Computing (ARC)
As a single primary research group, ARC has maximized research activity. Existing disciplinary expertise from longstanding research groups in Intelligent Systems, HCI, and Software Engineering now combines with expertise in application areas such as Bioinformatics, Health and Wellbeing, Creative Practices, and Cybersecurity. Partnerships and collaboration within and beyond the University of Sunderland have a multiplier effect, increasing the range, resources, and impact of a relatively small group of researchers.
Each researcher in the school combines expertise in disciplinary areas with experience in application areas. This results in an agile responsive research environment capable of a broad range of collaborations.
Applied focus is supported by foundational research that addresses existing gaps in knowledge. We have developed new approaches to user experience evaluation, machine learning, modelling for healthcare and innovation for the software sector. These have had valuable impacts in the work of UK hospitals, the UK government digital service, commercial organisations (Orange, Habito) and small companies in north east England.
Our research has been funded by the EU, Google, Huawei, and Innovate UK. Our research collaboration includes NHS Foundation Trusts in Sunderland, Nottingham and Hampshire, Universities in the UK (Durham), Czech Republic, France, Finland, Dubai, Iraq, Pakistan, China, Abu Dhabi, India and South Africa (Cape Town), and UK charities (Riding for the Disabled Association).
We have a long history of effective engagement with business, government and the third sector. Direct funding from industry and regional, national and European sources has supported over two decades of collaborative research and its application in practical contexts. This engagement spans a range of activities from contract research, collaborative projects, large-scale support projects for the digital sector, and bespoke training and consultancy. This broad portfolio of activities and funding supports sustainability and vitality through the engagement of post-doctoral researchers to address research challenges that are grounded in worthwhile problems.
News and events
Check out our upcoming events and latest research news stories:
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Hackathon solves problems faced by police through technology
Students competed in the University of Sunderland’s first-ever Hackathon with help from tech giant Microsoft and IT consultancy ANS to help Durham Police through technology.
Read more about the Hackathon
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The great (cyber) escape
More than 230 University of Sunderland students have put their cyber security skills to the test in a unique ‘Cyber Escape’ experience. Designed to complement existing security awareness training, the CGI Cyber Escape experience is an escape room-style experience, providing a practical opportunity to improve knowledge by completing a series of cyber related puzzles and tasks.
Read more about the cyber escape experience
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New Head of Computer Science announced
Dr Aminu Usman will help shape the Faculty of Technology on the next phase of its development, bringing his vision and strategy in growing and promoting the School of Computer Science, leading the team and working closely with students, supporting their university journey.
Read more about Dr Aminu Usman