A woman gently placing a protective mask on a child's face, ensuring safety and prevention of illness.

Our approach to research

Our approach to research is collaborative, inclusive and global.

Our global network is building a world that's fair

Across our global network we are building a world that's fairer, more sustainable, productive and prosperous.

We create new knowledge that our academics and students put into action through innovative research projects and industry partnerships in the locations where we have campuses – in London, Dubai and Mauritius –, in the UK and around the world. 

Research underpins our wide range of disciplines and is a priority for our future at É«¾Û. We have a distinctive research and knowledge exchange culture, with diverse young research talent who take a collaborative approach.

Our research and knowledge exchange contribute to resolving problems in the world around us, in the framework of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The impact of our work is nationally and internationally recognised for transforming practice beyond our community, from nanotechnology in cancer treatment to blockchain in the music industry to performance analysis to help elite athletes in competition.

Our research
Our three themes

Our three themes

Equity in health and wellbeing

hand pointing to computer monitor with diagram of heart

We take action as a global community towards our vision to make healthcare better for those who need it, and we aim to reduce inequalities in people’s care. Beyond healthcare, we aim to improve physical, mental and social health and wellbeing in all parts of society. Our research includes suicide prevention, with partners including Samaritans and the rail industry, which has reduced the number of deaths by suicide and led to changes in practice.

Inclusive enterprise and creativity

A woman carefully constructing a miniature model of a building using various tools and materials.

We use culture and creativity to enrich the lives of individuals and communities and we contribute to organisations of all types through impactful research and knowledge exchange. We believe that entrepreneurship can have a powerful role in a fair and inclusive future and are proud to educate and support entrepreneurs and creative talents to make their contribution to an equitable future. Take artist and academic Keith Piper, from the School of Arts, who is researching issues of race and the legacies of empire to create a response to a controversial Tate Britain mural.

Sustainable development

A man and a woman wearing hard hats engaged in a discussion at a construction site.

We support people locally, nationally, and around the world to protect the environment and make their communities fairer and more sustainable. Made possible through our research and knowledge exchange, our expertise influences economic, social and environmental policy and practice. The work of the Flood Hazard Research Centre helps at risk communities across the UK to avoid flood risk damage and its social and economic impact, giving support to homeowners.

Excellence at É«¾Û

Excellence at É«¾Û

account_balance
Teaching excellence

Silver Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 Award for very high-quality student experience and student outcomes

manufacturing
Business and entrepreneurship

Top 20 UK university for business leaders in Novuna Business Cash Flow study 2023

award_star
Research excellence

100% of the work submitted to REF 2021 for five disciplines had outstanding (4-star) or very considerable (3-star) impact

grouped_bar_chart
Industry and professional links

We collaborate with +1000 industry and employer partners on education and research

vital_signs
Impact on global challenges

Top 400 global university advancing United Nations’ Sustainable Developments Goals in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023