World-leading
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework excercise, the University achieved its best ever results. Our research was celebrated for its 'world-leading elements' across all areas submitted to the REF 2014, with 85% of our research internationally recognised or higher.
More subject areas and staff were put forward than ever before, reflecting the University's more inclusive and ambitious approach. The research by our Statistical Cybermetrics research group ranked joint 5th in the UK in REF 2014, and in 2017 was placed 1st in the world for the average quality of research in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking). The Statistical Cybermetrics research group is led by renowned Professor of Information Science Mike Thelwall and his team, whose research includes measuring the value of web pages (see case study).
Other areas of particular strength which were highlighted include health, history and modern languages research. Our strong performance across departments affirms the quality of our work, a standard we will continue to pursue and build on through our innovative research.
Research brochure
Our new research brochure showcases the often extraordinary and life-changing work of our research community. We hope you'll be inspired!
Impact
Our research activities impact positively on business, the environment, society - and of course, our students. The work we are doing helps to advance knowledge and address real world problems, such as the health of aging populations and sustainable development, in a variety of different ways.
Across the University, there is a growing number of dedicated Research Centres and inter-disciplinary Research Institutes that cover a variety of research topics - ranging from designing for people with dementia, to new discoveries in diabetes. Working with commercial and civil society partners, as well as producing first-class research outputs, they bring together scholars in a programme of research projects, conferences/seminars, and knowledge exchanges.
Visit the Research Institutes and Centres webpage for more information.
Public Lectures
Our public lectures give University and visiting speakers the chance to talk about their research to staff, students and members of the public. With free entry, they provide the perfect opportunity to discuss intriguing and topical matters with the speaker and other members of the audience.
Recent high profile lectures have covered subjects as wide-ranging as the resurgence of the far right, sport psychology, Brexit, turning plastic waste into usable materials, terrorism in the twenty-first century and our annual Holocaust Memorial Day Lecture, which in 2018 gave the stage to guest speaker Henri Obstfeld who shared his testimony as a Holocaust survivor.
