Gray's School of Art, RGU, has pioneered methodologies of practice-led research over two decades, working closely with the art, design and cultural sectors, their organisations, institutions and issues. 

Gray's research is responsive to its social and cultural context in North East Scotland, investigating issues of local relevance, the outcomes of which have resonance in other places. The research culture is positioned within networks of academic and non academic partners regionally, nationally and internationally.

Current research examines the changing role of the artist and designer in response to organisational, environmental and economic challenges.

There are four main research groups associated with Gray's School of Art:

• Co-creativity of Hand and Mind

• Art, Culture and Society

• Cultures of Representation

• Design for Society

Gray’s School of Art has an established track record developing research at doctoral and post doctoral levels.

• Higher Degrees in Progress
• Completed Research Degrees at Gray's

Research in The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment relates to national policy and social agendas, and usually involves the solution of practical problems.

There is a high degree of collaboration between disciplines, industry, and both professional and public bodies. Most research is based around the Environments for People Centre, which focuses on social, economic and physical resource sustainability and evaluation of the design of built environments in terms of their ability to meet the needs of people.

• Environments for People