Materials processing: This area of research focuses on developing new processing techniques for metals, such as casting, forging, and heat treatment. Researchers may study the microstructure of metals and how it can be altered by different processing techniques to achieve desired properties such as strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.

Materials characterization: This area of research involves the study of the structure and properties of metals at the micro and nanoscale level. This may include using advanced microscopy techniques to observe and analyze the crystal structure of metals or conducting mechanical tests to determine the strength and ductility of the materials.

Corrosion: Corrosion is a major problem for metals in various environments. Metallurgical researchers may study the mechanisms of corrosion and develop new materials and coatings that can resist it.

Alloy design: Metallurgists are involved in designing new alloys with improved properties such as strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. This may involve using computational modelling and simulation techniques to predict the behaviour of new alloys and optimize their properties.

Materials recycling: Metallurgists are also involved in developing new techniques for recycling and reusing metals. This is an important area of research given the growing concern about sustainability and the depletion of natural resources.