About Our Research

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s pioneering and impact-driven research is tackling some of the biggest questions facing the world today.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, published in 2022, recognises that 85% of ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent.  We are also ranked in the Top 30 in the UK for research impact, demonstrating the real-world contribution of our research.

With a research and innovation vision to be a global centre of excellence in sustainability, the University takes a distinctive and holistic approach to sustainability that resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales).

As a research-intensive institution we prioritise investment in interdisciplinary research that has existing or emerging scale, is aligned with sustainability, and addresses challenging global questions. This translates into inspirational research-led teaching reflecting the role of universities in creating new knowledge.

Our research focuses on three key themes: Energy and the environment; Health, wellbeing and behaviour; and Language, culture and society.

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Top 30

in the UK for the Impact of our Research

Research Excellence Framework (2021)

2nd

in Wales for Research Quality

Research Excellence Framework (2021)

85%

of ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s research is world-leading or internationally excellent

Research Excellence Framework (2021)

Showcasing the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 measures research quality across UK universities.

Underpinned by a focus on sustainability, ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s research delivers social, cultural, environmental, health and wellbeing benefits, working with a range of partners to deliver impact and innovation.

The REF 2021, published in 2022, recognises that more than 85% of ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent.

The REF is jointly conducted by the four UK higher education funding bodies: the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland. They use the REF to inform allocation of £2 billion of research funding each year.

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s impact case studies can be viewed here:

REF 2021 Impact Case Studies

computer-generated image of head in blue and pink colours

Arts, Humanities and Business Emotional AI: Governance, Ethics and Society

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ’s research on ‘Emotional Artificial Intelligence’ (eAI) has revealed a pressing and global need to consider ethical dimensions of developing technologies that gauge and interact with affective and emotional states.

Conservation

Environmental Sciences and Engineering Reducing the costs of conservation in low and middle income countries

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ-led research has demonstrated the negative social impacts that conservation can have for some of the poorest people in the world.  

Art

Human Sciences Positive impact of visual arts interventions in dementia care

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ-led research demonstrated how arts interventions improved the quality of life of people affected by dementia.  

View all REF 2021 Impact Case Studies on our Research Themes pages

View all REF 2021 Impact Case Studies on our Research Themes pages

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Join us in The Conversation

Our researchers publish across a wide range of subjects and topics, covering news platforms including The Conversation.

Postgraduate Research

Our cutting-edge research breathes freshness into our ever-changing curriculum and helps advance our collective understanding of the world around us.

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ Main Arts building

Research, Innovation and Impact

Find out how the Research, Innovation and Impact Office provide an integrated research support service for all ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÌúËãÅÌ researchers and are building sustainable relationships with local, regional and national business partners.

Collaboration hub

Work with Us

The Collaboration Hub is the University’s portal for businesses and other external organisations looking to access the expertise, facilities and skills at the University.