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Our areas of expertise

100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics).

The academics in our Department specialise in:

  • data science and artificial intelligence – big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data mining including a range of predictive and descriptive methods
  • advanced computational science – software and hardware systems development for scientific programming on next generation computing systems, for handling high volume and high velocity data
  • computational vision – visual surveillance, border control and security, and machine learning for image and video-based prediction and classification.

Research environment

Our Thames Valley location provides a thriving research environment for our computer scientists.

Our facilities include dedicated labs for PhD students and academic supervisors in all research groups.

 

Learn more about our facilities
Three people in front of computers, talking about what's on the screen

Research groups

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Research on machine learning, data mining and big data analytics is devoted to algorithms, techniques and applications for knowledge discovery from large amounts of data.

Algorithms cover a range of methods, such as clustering, classification, subgraph mining, stream mining, Bayesian inference, artificial neural networks and association rules.

Advanced Computing for Environmental Science

Environmental science requires analysis of large volumes of observational data. This demands supercomputing and specialised data analysis systems. 

This group is working on developing software to aid programming on new computer systems, cloud computing, and exploiting machine learning in environmental science.

Computational Vision Group

Research in image processing and computer vision is concerned with the computational issues of perception and reasoning in relation to image interpretation.

Current research activities in this group focus on automated CCTV analysis for safety, security and threat assessment, biometrics, and environmental monitoring.

Wider research at Reading

We apply our research expertise in collaborations across the University. Projects include applications of artificial intelligence, data science, computer vision, big data analytics, high-performance computing, and cyber-physical systems.

We have particularly strong links with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Meteorology.

Collaborating with us

Colleagues working in an office
The Department works with local, regional and global industries and third sector organisations to support and strengthen our research.

As well as forging new relationships, we currently work closely with the Institute for Environmental Analytics, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the Met Office and two Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) centres.
Athena SWAN Silver Award