The Instrumentation, Photonics and Control (IPC) Research Group at the University of Kent works in three complementary research themes – Instrumentation, Photonics and Control. The group develops innovative technologies for measurement, sensing, imaging, intelligent computing and control.
Bringing together expertise across three complementary research areas, we address real-world challenges in clean energy, healthcare, communications and industrial systems through fundamental research, technology development and collaboration with industry.
Our Research Themes
Instrumentation
- process sensors, intelligent instrumentation, embedded systems
- smart condition monitoring, digital image processing
- data fusion, data modelling
Photonics
- Optical fibre and photonic sensors
- Ultrafast optical imaging and time-stretch systems
- Microwave photonics and RF sensing
- Optical and photonic intelligent computing
Control
- Intelligent sliding mode control of networked systems
- Robust observer design and parameters estimation of nonlinear interconnected power systems
- Robust advanced control with applications to robotic systems
Impact & Collaboration
Our research delivers impact through:
- Partnerships with industrial innovators and SMEs
- Translation of lab prototypes to field-deployable systems
- Contributions to net-zero energy, healthcare diagnostics, and digital communications
- Training the next generation of engineers and researchers
We welcome collaboration with academic groups, companies, and public organisations. Explore our projects, publications, and facilities to learn more.
Join Us
We are always keen to hear from talented students and researchers.
- PhD and postdoctoral opportunities
- Visiting researcher programmes
- Industry-sponsored projects and placements
👉 Find current opportunities and contact details on our Join Us page.