Innovation, resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrial development are essential to addressing many of the economic, environmental and social challenges facing society today.
At ARU, researchers work with industry, government, health services and communities to develop new technologies, improve infrastructure systems and support the adoption of innovative solutions that deliver real-world impact.
From artificial intelligence and smart agriculture to sustainable infrastructure, medical technologies and Industry 5.0, ARU's research helps organisations respond to emerging challenges while creating opportunities for more sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth.
Research in this area is supported by a number of centres including the Centre for Engineering and Architectural Sustainability, which works with industry, government and communities to develop solutions relating to resilient infrastructure, clean energy, biodiversity and water security.
Developing Industry 5.0 through international collaboration
In the mid-2020s, ARU became a partner in Up-Skill: Up-Skilling for Industry 5.0 Roll-Out, an international project examining how businesses can harness emerging technologies while maintaining the value of human skills and experience. Up-Skill is funded by the European Union and UK Research and Innovation, and involves 12 university and private sector partners across five countries. The initiative explores how digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping workplaces and identifies the skills needed for a more human-centred industrial future. By helping organisations adapt to technological change while supporting workforce development, the project contributes directly to the innovation and productivity ambitions of SDG 9.
Advancing sustainable agriculture through smart technologies
We're helping transform the future of agriculture through research led by Professor Chungui Lu, Professor in Smart Agriculture. Working from ARU in Writtle, his research focuses on controlled-environment agriculture, vertical farming, artificial intelligence and plant genomics, developing technologies that improve resource-use efficiency while supporting sustainable food production. Recent work has explored how machine learning and agricultural data can be used to optimise crop growth, nutrient use and energy efficiency in both soil and soilless systems. This research demonstrates how innovation and advanced technology can support more resilient and sustainable food-production systems.
Strengthening sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience
Our researchers are contributing to the development of more resilient infrastructure systems through work on sustainable drainage, urban resilience and nature-based solutions. Research led by Dr Maryam Imani examines how green infrastructure and sustainable drainage systems can reduce flood risk, improve water management and increase resilience to climate change. By working with infrastructure providers, local authorities and international partners, ARU is helping develop practical solutions that strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the built environment while delivering wider environmental benefits.
Driving innovation through engineering and architectural sustainability
The Centre for Engineering and Architectural Sustainability brings together engineers, architects and sustainability specialists to address challenges including climate change, resource scarcity and urban growth. Its research focuses on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, biodiversity and water security, and is delivered through partnerships with industry, government and communities. By connecting fundamental research with real-world application, the Centre helps turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that support sustainable development and infrastructure resilience.
Leading a €5 million European innovation partnership
ARU's Global Sustainability Institute leads SHARED GREEN DEAL, a €5 million Horizon 2020 project involving 22 organisations from across Europe. Running from 2022 onwards, the project is testing innovative approaches to sustainability through 24 social experiments across policy areas including clean energy, sustainable mobility, circular economy and biodiversity. The project brings together universities, businesses, civil-society organisations and policymakers in a large-scale innovation partnership designed to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal. By testing and scaling innovative approaches across multiple countries, SHARED GREEN DEAL demonstrates how collaboration can drive societal innovation and sustainable development.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.