90 percent of research at UWS was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally (REF2021). Visit The UWS Academic Portal to find out more about our academic staff and their globally relevant work.
Visit The UWS Academic PortalOur vision for UWS is to be among the global leaders of excellent, relevant and purposeful research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We are proud of our signature research capabilities, which are central to developing innovations with global societal impact, changing the lives of communities across the world.
Explore more about UWS research activities, impact, strategic themes, multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas, and environment.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, UWS has been ranked in the world’s top 300 universities for sustainable development. UWS was also ranked 26th in the world for impact on reducing inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10).
Over 1200 universities from around the globe were assessed for their contributions to SDG10; with the top institutions selected for their commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024 UWS were recognised for our pioneering work with FIDO Tech to develop game-changing AI technology that detects underground water leaks.
This internationally impactful Knowledge Transfer Partnership project represents an industry-first and is revolutionising existing practices. It's preventing billions of litres of water being lost from pipeline networks globally, tackling climate change and addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, 11 and 17.
Our partnerships with business, industry and the public and voluntary sectors, worldwide, are exemplary. Our research and innovation flourishes through these strong collaborations. For example, working with Phoenix Instinct we developed a ground-breaking ultralight wheelchair, which led to the company winning a $1 million global competition.
Working with UWS brought Phoenix Instinct specialist skills, knowledge and support that have been fundamental to the success of the project.
Andrew Slorance, Phoenix Instinct
We help our industry partners find solutions, bringing together cutting-edge research expertise, knowledge exchange and an array of bespoke research facilities. This results in research and innovation that has a tangible and remarkably positive impact on society, our planet and the economy.
Knowledge Transfer PartnershipsFind out more about exciting research projects and partnerships and the impact they have on business, communities and international research.
UWS strives to create a world class research environment in which staff and students can be supported, can collaborate with colleagues and can achieve their full potential.
UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.
UWS is committed to ensuring and promoting gender equality. The University’s plans for gender equality are embedded within a range of initiatives, reports and action plans in line with our mainstreamed approach to equality, diversity and inclusion. The University’s Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is approved annually by the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive. It outlines how UWS meets the European Commission eligibility criterion through Athena Swan, our Public Sector Equality Duty requirements and reports, and broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work.
UWS Gender Equality Plan - 2025 (pdf)PURE is the University's research information management system and provides a single source of research information for UWS. It is used to record and manage research activity with details of research outputs, funding applications, conference contributions, external impact and staff profiles.
