Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment

Welcome to the Built Environment Research Institute

The University prides itself on the strength and diversity of research activities within the built environment disciplines. In the RAE 2008, the Built Environment Research Institute (BERI) obtained the following profile with 15% of activities classified as four star (world leading research), 50% rated at three star (internationally excellent), 30% two star (international quality) and 5% at one star (research of national quality). Collectively 95% of activities were considered to be of international standing. BERI, since its formation in 2003, has seen significant investment in new laboratory and infrastructure facilities through JIF and SRIF funding rounds which has provided an excellent resource for undertaking both fundamental and applied research and more latterly infrastructure funding (2009-2011) through the Research Capital Investment Fund (£1.45M from the Department for Employment and Learning) has further enhanced facilities notably the development of Terrace Street, two experimental houses. 

A young dynamic staff base complemented by experienced researchers of international standing has enhanced the research capabilities in the Built Environment area. The Built Environment Research Institute has currently over 60 academic staff including both core and associate members, supported by a strong base of some 20 full time contract researchers and over 80 PhD students providing a major research entity spanning across the Built Environment disciplines with expertise ranging from fire engineering research, hydrogen safety to sustainable technologies to property performance analysis.

BERI is concerned with the delivery of research that will enhance the quality of the built environment and address the changing needs of society in a more sustainable manner. Specific objectives of BERI are to embrace research at the forefront of the Built Environment; to promote diversity in the breadth of the research portfolio coupled with specialisation in specific areas of excellence; to work in partnership networks; to share best practice; to engage with industry and the end-users of research; to grow the research base through enhanced post-graduate activity and to disseminate knowledge. Through research in areas such as hydrogen technologies, fire dynamics, renewable energy, biomass and bio-energy, sustainable energy systems, regeneration processes and financing models BERI is addressing questions central to global, national, regional and local economies.

Contact the Built Environment Research Institute

As Director of the Built Environment Research Institute I encourage you to further explore these web pages. My colleagues would be pleased to discuss aspects of our research work in the Built Environment and of course respond to queries from potential doctoral students.

  Professor Stanley McGreal

Director of the Built Environment Research Institute Tel +44 28 9036 6566

BERI Admin Support Tel +44 28 9036 8638