Innovate the difference.
Our global team of around 5,000 world-leading scientists, researchers and professionals are responsible for translating the latest science and technology into cutting-edge innovations that deliver over €1 billion in growth every year. Our commitment to innovation goes beyond improving products; we’re dedicated to finding solutions that are good for the planet too.
From lab to life.
Our experts push the boundaries of what’s possible in fields as diverse as the microbiome, biotechnology, and next-generation materials. Every day, we turn consumer insights into breakthrough products, powered by AI, robotics, and smart technologies that help us understand what’s coming next.
Join a Global Innovation Community
Be part of a truly global team spanning over 60 countries, supported by six Global Innovation Centres and 12 Regional Innovation Hubs. You’ll collaborate with world-leading scientists and connect with a vibrant ecosystem of universities, start-ups, and partners to drive Unilever’s innovation agenda forward.
Shape the Future of Everyday Products
Our competitive edge starts with our products - and every one of them is shaped by Research and Development. From unique technologies to novel ingredients, our innovations are unmatched. We file over 300 patent applications each year, contributing to a global portfolio of more than 20,000 patents.
Lead with Purpose
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our teams are leading the way in tackling plastic waste, achieving net zero emissions, and building regenerative ecosystems.
Powering Innovation Through Digital and AI
We’re building world-class digital and AI capabilities-from robots mining millions of data points to apps that personalise skincare, and digital modelling that helps us create renewable, sustainable alternatives.
Where will you make your mark?
These are some of the teams within R&D
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Innovation Teams
Create products that look, smell and taste exceptional through pioneering innovation, formulation, product design, process design and ingredients.
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Packaging
Develop next-generation packaging material through innovation that protects our planet, and deliver desire at scale with premium packaging experiences for our consumers.
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Safety and Environmental Science and Regulatory Affairs
Protect and grow Unilever through distinctive regulatory science to co-create the future for superior, safe and sustainable products.
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Digital R&D
Stay three steps ahead and digitally enable everything we do. Drive bigger, faster, more cost-effective, sustainable and entirely novel innovations in line with our strategies.
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Science and Technology
Generate new scientific insights and build and test hypotheses that help us to deliver unmissable product superiority now and in the future.
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Fragrance
Harness best-in-class Fragrance expertise to elevate the consumer experience and performance of everyday products with cutting-edge science, captivating sensorials, and trending aesthetics.
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Consumer Technical Insights
Develop key consumer insights and translate these into improved design and product promises that satisfy consumer needs
