Research that matters

USW’s research is aimed at making a difference, changing lives and the world for the better. Our focus has always been on addressing societal needs, not just by widening access into higher education, but by using research for real solutions.

We ensure that our teaching and learning is research-informed, and in some cases, research-led, ensuring our graduates are receiving contemporary knowledge and skills, ready for contributing to our society and economy.

In the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 – the government’s official measure of research capability – 81% of USW’s research impact was classed as world leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*) and almost two thirds of our researchers had research that was categorised as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (4* or *).

Unlike at some other universities, you’ll be taught by these researchers who are at the forefront of their fields, giving you a window to tomorrow and a vision of what’s possible.

We are helping to create a safer, more sustainable world with our ground-breaking multi-disciplinary research in hydrogen, ecology, anaerobic digestion, and advanced power .

Recycling waste gasses

USW’s Sustainable Environment Research Centre is developing innovative biotechnology to harness the economic benefits of clean energy. Its research is helping industry reduce energy use and become economically and environmentally sustainable.

Using data to reduce energy use

Developing sustainable building materials and infrastructure is a major worldwide challenge. USW researchers in civil engineering have developed a new ‘green’ concrete, with an external manufacturer, using materials that have a lower carbon-footprint.

Pioneering use of Hydrogen

USW’s Hydrogen Centre focuses on the development and application of hydrogen technologies for transport, industry and the energy sector. Researchers have developed innovative and commercially viable approaches to producing hydrogen, considerably impacting on industries and the economy.

Protecting Tropical Biodiversity

Anthropogenic stressors such as climate change, deforestation and increased human access, threaten thousands of species globally. USW research on human-wildlife coexistence has transformed environmental policy in Indonesia and Costa Rica, benefiting biodiversity, people and ecosystems.

We undertake a comprehensive range of research in the field of crime, security, and justice, working with a wide range of partners, informing policy and practice. Our academics and researchers are leading experts in their.

Improving outcomes in homicide investigations

Research by the Criminal Investigation Research Network (CIRN) is providing vital evidence to police forces, forensic scientists and policy makers nationally and internationally to improve homicide investigation and manage risks to justice.

Expertise in European Security

The EU is increasingly threatened by new terrorist groups. Christian Kaunert, Professor of Policing and Security at USW and a world-renowned expert on terrorism and security, advises the UK Home Office, European Parliament and NATO on their counter-terrorism efforts. His research for the European Parliament, Europol and NATO brought vital evidence on the increased role of the EU in counter-terrorism at a global level.

Keeping Systems Safe from Security Breaches

Electric vehicle systems are becoming more common as efforts to control greenhouse emissions become more vital. However, making the systems secure from cyber attacks is vital to keeping them running smoothly. USW researchers worked with global partners to make sure the systems are safe from security breaches, which can include disrupted logins and data.

USW’s multi-disciplinary research in the field of health and well-being produces applied, impactful research that has a direct benefit for individuals, groups and organisations at a local, national and international level.

Our expertise in developmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, cognitive psychology, and sport and exercise science is helping to tackle a wide range of issues around healthy ageing, the promotion of population health, and reducing gaps in the quality of care experienced by vulnerable.

Reducing barriers to health care

People with learning disabilities can experience significant barriers to accessing healthcare. USW partnered with Improvement Cymru (part of Public Health Wales) to produce the Once for Wales Health Profile, a personalised document that people with learning disabilities can take to medical appointments and emergency admissions. This vital information is used by healthcare providers to deliver safe, timely and person-centred healthcare.

Improving the lives of individuals at risk of alcohol related brain damage

Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can damage the function and structure of the brain leading to Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD), which is frequently under or mis-diagnosed. Importantly, ARBD is reversible if identified and treated. Work by USW’s Addictions Research Group has increased awareness of ARBD nationally and internationally, and informed regional and national government policy and professional practice.

Sport related concussion: heading towards a crisis?

World-leading neuroscientist, Professor Damian Bailey of USW’s Neurovascular Research Laboratory, has conducted extensive research into the serious harm to the brain caused by concussion in sport, working closely with footballers, rugby players, boxers and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes to analyse the effects of contact sports on blood flow to the brain.

Helping refugees in Wales

Speaking English is key to accessing work and educational opportunities as well as helping with social and cultural integration. And yet forced migrants often face long delays before they can access English classes. Research by Dr Mike Chick has helped to improve access to English language education for forced migrants in south Wales and informed government policy on ESOL.

We’re leading the agenda for the creative industries and digital economy in Wales, influencing policy through identifying the challenges and opportunities facing the creative.

Professor Florence Ayisi is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker who teaches documentary film at USW. Her films have won numerous prestigious international awards, challenging stereotypes and decolonising ideas about Africa by focusing on the positives to bring fresh perspectives and changes in societal attitudes.

In times of social and cultural division worldwide, awareness of how cultural identities have been formed through transcultural relationships is crucial. Research by USW’s Centre for Media and Culture in Small Nations explored the little-known history of the Welsh and the Khasi people of North-East India to understand how our joint histories have been defined.

Research by USW historian Professor Chris has revealed for the first time the significance of Welsh woollens in the slave Atlantic between the 1680s and the 1840s. Marketed as “Negro Cloth”, Welsh fabric was traded for captives on the Guinea coast and was used to clothe enslaved workers.