100 Ideas for Research Projects in Engineering

So you want to build a successful career in engineering? Do you know what you’ll specialise in? Undertaking a research project in engineering could give you the clarity you need to confidently take those first steps toward your chosen career. 

However, which EPQ topic idea in engineering will you select? Choosing wisely at this stage is essential. To help guide you toward the right path, we’ve compiled a list of inspiring ideas across a whole range of engineering topics.

What Makes a Great Research Topic in Engineering?

The choice of careers in engineering can be overwhelming. However, by choosing the right engineering EPQ idea you can develop your understanding, and narrow down your options in this innovative field. So, what should you consider when picking your EPQ topic idea?

• Personal interest: it is important that the topic interests you as this will give your project momentum and allow you to enjoy the learning experience.  
• Interdisciplinary potential: with engineering, there are opportunities to broaden your mind by working closely with other disciplines such as computer science. Think about which direction you’d like to take your career.
• Impact on society: you may want your engineering career to focus on solving societal issues and addressing real-world problems.
• Achievable: ensure that the project you pick challenges you, but that it is also achievable with the resources you have available.

100 Research Ideas for Engineering

Research Project Ideas about Sustainability & Engineering’s Environmental Impact

1. The role of renewable energy in sustainable engineering
2. The effectiveness of green building materials in construction
3. The role of engineering in mitigating climate change
4. The role of engineering in promoting sustainability
5. What are the challenges in developing sustainable chemical processes?
6. The impact of pollution on civil engineering practices
7. What are the challenges of integrating renewable energy into existing grids?
8. The relationship between engineering and environmental justice
9. The role of engineering in developing renewable energy storage solutions
10. The impact of climate change on engineering practices
11. The impact of climate change on water resources management
12. What is the role of engineering in reducing carbon footprints?
13. Developing sustainable transportation systems: An exploration
14. Investigating the challenges of sustainable mining practices
15. The role of engineering in waste management
16. Exploring desalination technologies for addressing water scarcity
17. The impact of climate change on civil engineering projects
18. The role of engineering in climate change adaptation
19. What are the challenges of integrating renewable energy into transportation?
20. What does the future of sustainable aerospace engineering hold?

Research Projects about Technological Innovation & Advancements

16. Exploring advancements in 3D printing technology
17. Investigating innovations in electric vehicle technology
18. An exploration of the applications of robotics in manufacturing
19. The impact of additive manufacturing on supply chains
20. What is the impact of nanotechnology on material science?
21. The role of engineering in developing assistive technologies
22. Investigating the use of drones in construction
23. The effectiveness of advanced manufacturing techniques
24. Investigating smart and self-healing technologies
25. The use of virtual reality in engineering simulations
26. The impact of augmented reality on engineering education
27. The future of wearable technology in healthcare
28. The applications of machine learning in engineering
29. The impact of AI on engineering design
30. The role of engineers in developing smart transport systems
31. The future of telecommunications engineering
32. The future of smart grids in energy management
33. Exploring the significance of sustainability in mechanical engineering design
34. The role of data analytics in improving engineering efficiency
35. The impact of robotics on manufacturing efficiency
36. The role of engineers in improving cybersecurity measures
37. The challenges of designing user-centred engineering solutions

Research Project Ideas about Engineering in Public & Social Sectors

38. The role of engineering in urban planning
39. The role of engineering in addressing world hunger
40. The role of engineers in community development
41. The role of engineers in disaster recovery planning
42. The role of engineering in enhancing urban mobility
43. The role of engineering in developing affordable housing
44. The role of engineering in developing clean water access
45. The role of engineering in reducing food waste through technology
46. The role of engineering in waste-to-energy conversion
47. The role of engineering in public health
48. The impact of engineering on global health challenges
49. The role of engineering in disaster management
50. The role of engineering in food production and safety

Research Projects about Engineering Design, Ethics & Leadership

51. Ethics in engineering design and practice
52. Ethical considerations in engineering project management
53. The role of engineering in infrastructure resilience
54. The significance of project management in engineering success
55. The significance of teamwork and leadership in engineering
56. Understanding ethics in AI engineering
57. The challenges of designing user-friendly software in engineering
58. What is the relationship between statistics and engineering?
59. The role of engineers in promoting gender equality in STEM
60. What is the significance of cultural heritage in engineering design?

Research Project Ideas about Urbanisation, Infrastructure & Construction

61. The impact of autonomous vehicles on urban infrastructure
62. Designing efficient water management systems for urban areas
63. The challenges of recycling materials in engineering
64. The challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure
65. The future of construction: Modular and prefabricated buildings
66. What are the challenges of developing energy-efficient buildings?
67. What is the role of electrical engineering in the development of smart grids?
68. The challenges of retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency
69. What is the role of civil engineering in infrastructure resilience?
70. The challenges of integrating technology in developing countries
71. Exploring the challenges of urbanisation
72. The role of engineering in developing public infrastructure
73. What are the challenges of developing sustainable mining practices?

Research Projects about the Impact of Engineering on Society & Economy

74. The impact of engineering on economic development
75. The impact of social media on engineering collaboration
76. The relationship between engineering and social change
77. The importance of cybersecurity in industrial automation
78. The impact of globalisation on engineering practices
79. The role of engineers in community development
80. How do engineering innovations contribute to sustainable economic development in emerging markets?
81. In what ways can engineering practices help address the growing demand for renewable energy sources?
82. How can engineers design solutions to mitigate the economic effects of natural disasters on vulnerable communities?

Research Project Ideas about the Future of Engineering

83. What is the future of biomedical engineering?
84. The future of wearable technology in healthcare
85. The impact of automation on job roles in engineering
86. What is the role of engineers in the future of sustainable urban planning?
87. How can quantum computing reshape engineering problem-solving and design?
88. The potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing construction and manufacturing industries
89. The integration of AI and robotics in next-generation engineering solutions

Research Projects about Engineering Projects and the History of Engineering

90. The construction of the Panama Canal and its impact on global trade
91. How the invention of the steam engine revolutionized transportation and industry
92. The history and engineering behind the Eiffel Tower’s design and construction
93. The role of Roman aqueducts in advancing ancient water management systems
94. The Manhattan Project: The intersection of engineering, science, and ethics
95. The history of bridge engineering: From stone arches to suspension bridges
96. How the Industrial Revolution shaped the evolution of mechanical engineering
97. The development of the Apollo program and the engineering challenges of landing on the moon
98. The Golden Gate Bridge: Overcoming engineering and environmental challenges
99. The history and legacy of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States
100. The construction of the Hoover Dam: Advancing civil engineering and hydropower

Build Your Future With an Engineering Research Project 

If you are technically minded and enjoy using science and maths to solve problems, a career in engineering could be for you. However, you will need a little guidance as there are many different types of engineers. An EPQ research project could help shape the kind of engineer you wish to become.

Completing an Immerse Education engineering research project can help you understand the world of engineering and discover your place in it. Take a look at our Engineering Online Research Programme Page to begin your journey into engineering today!