Research Excellence

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 (). 

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.

To find out more about our preparations for REF2021, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/ref 

Research brochure

Our new research brochure showcases the often extraordinary and life-changing work of our research community. We hope you'll be inspired!

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 , which in 2018 gave the stage to guest speaker Henri Obstfeld who shared his testimony as a Holocaust survivor.