There are a number of formal, University Research Committee accredited research groupings in the Faculty. They cover a wide range of disciplines and are listed below, together with links to their directors and individual web site links.

Archaeology

• The Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI) | Director: Professor Rebecca Ackermann

Biological Sciences

• Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology | Director: Professor Peter Ryan
• Plant Conservation Unit | Director: Professor Timm Hofmann

Chemistry

• Centre for Supramolecular Chemistry Research | Director: Professor susan Bourne
• Scientific Computing Research Unit | Director: Professor Kevin Naidoo

Computer Science

• Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (AIRU) - CAIR UCT node | Director: Professor Deshen Moodley

Environmental and Geographical Science

• African Climate and development Institue (ACDI) | Director: Professor Gina Ziervogel 

• Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG) | Director: Professor Bruce Hewitson

Molecular & Cell Biology

• Biopharming Research Unit | Director: Dr. Sandiswa Mbewana

Oceanography

• Nansen-Tutu Centre for Marine Environmental Research | Director: Professor Mathieu Rouault

Physics

• UCT-CERN Research Centre | Director: Emeritus Professor Jean Cleymans
• Metrological and Applied Sciences University Research Unit: MeASURe | Director: Professor Andy Buffler

Interdisciplinary

• Centre for Theoretical and Mathematical Physics | Director: Professor Heribert Weigert
• Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation (SEEC) | Director: Professor Res Altwegg
• Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa | Director: Professor Justin O'Riain
• Marine and Antarctic Research Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARIS) | Director: Professor Marcello Vichi

Updated 11 June 2025