We confront global and national challenges through research, knowledge exchange, creative innovation, and collaboration with our expert partners. 

In 2022-2023, our researchers helped develop the UK’s first lower limb exoskeleton for children with cerebral palsy, investigated the effects of war on the Ukraine’s agriculture and world food supplies, contributed to the fight against lung cancer and discovered that isometric exercises are best at lowering blood pressure.

We also built a toolkit to increase diversity and inclusion in engineering, uncovered the secrets of the UK’s oldest shoe, used technology to empower people to manage their own care, helped local businesses reduce their carbon footprint and improved young people’s health and wellbeing through sport.

Get the full stories from this year's innovation and research below.

Exoskeleton using AI and Assistive Robotic Technology aims to help children with cerebral palsy

Canterbury Christ Church University has presented the UK's first lower limb Exoskeleton aimed at helping children with cerebral palsy to stand and walk as part of their rehabilitation therapy.

2yr ago

Soil damage from artillery attacks could have long-term effects for Ukraine’s agriculture and world food supplies.

Research on soil contamination from World War One bomb craters could be the key to understanding how soil in Ukraine is being irreversibly damaged following Russia’s invasion of the country.

2yr ago

Research shows immediate reporting of chest X-rays can cut lung cancer diagnosis time in half

Findings from a study looking into providing patients with the result of their chest X-ray immediately, to cut lung cancer diagnosis time in half, have been published in the medical journal Thorax.

2yr ago

Static isometric exercise, such as wall sits and planks, best for lowering blood pressure

Researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University found Static isometric exercises, engaging muscles without movement such as wall sits and planks, are best for lowering blood pressure.

1yr ago

Funding success for innovative project to increase diversity and inclusion in engineering

The School of Engineering, Technology and Design has been awarded funding to address the unequal outcomes experienced by students from diverse and underrepresented groups studying engineering.

2yr ago

Helping to uncover the secrets of the UK’s oldest shoe

A University lecturer who is used to diagnosing human conditions has helped to uncover the secrets of a rare Bronze Age child’s shoe, potentially the oldest in the UK, through the use of X-rays.

2yr ago

EMPOWERCARE project shows how technology can address gaps in care and empower users to keep healthy and motivated

The final conference for the EMPOWERCARE Project has shared its insights and innovative solutions to support individuals and communities manage their own care.

2yr ago

Research to improve young people’s health and wellbeing through sport

Spear has secured funding to evaluate high-profile projects supporting underrepresented groups to improve health and wellbeing through sport in cricket and rugby.

2yr ago

The return of the chough

The red-billed chough has been released into the wild as part of the ground-breaking conservation project to return this at-risk species to Kent.

1yr ago

Celebrating local partnerships with international impacts

Canterbury Christ Church University honoured outstanding local organisations at its inaugural Business and Community Impact awards, recognising their positive impact on local communities.

1yr ago

Back to

About us
Our story

In this section