About Our Research
°ÄÃÅ×î¿ì¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™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 °ÄÃÅ×î¿ì¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™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.
Research Spotlight
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Showcasing the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 measures research quality across UK universities.
Underpinned by a focus on sustainability, °ÄÃÅ×î¿ì¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™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 °ÄÃÅ×î¿ì¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™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.
°ÄÃÅ×î¿ì¿ª½±Ö±²¥â€™s impact case studies can be viewed here:
REF 2021 Impact Case Studies
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.