Research Support Unit
What we do
The Research Support Unit is dedicated to assisting UWL researchers and academics in producing high-quality research. We manage Research Excellence Framework submissions, support research impact, help securing research funding and develop initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across our Schools/Colleges and Research Centres.
Research strategy
Research strategy
Following an extensive engagement exercise with staff, students, professional services and research partners, we have developed a research strategy whose aim is to harness the potential of our research environment in conjunction with UWL’s high-quality teaching.
Research development support
We work with research leaders across the University to provide expert insights into funding opportunities and provide academic colleagues with support throughout the research grant lifecycle.
If you are planning to or working towards a proposal for a specific funding scheme from UK or international statutory bodies, or have an idea for a research project, see our resources and get in touch.
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The Research Excellence Framework assesses research outputs produced in universities, the impact of university research beyond academia, the research environment and research culture of universities and how universities support people and the career development of their staff.
In REF 2021, UWL progressed into the top 100 for the overall quality of our research. We are now pursuing the ambitious target of being ranked within the top 70 universities in REF 2029.
Impact support
Impact support
We assist academics in planning, monitoring and demonstrating the impact of their research. This ensures all research endeavours are well-supported and poised to create lasting change beyond academia.
Our support includes training and workshops covering various aspects of research impact:
- Planning for impact using a Theory of Change tool
- Mapping stakeholders and research users
- Gathering evidence of impact
- Identifying support across the University
- Developing communication plans
- Translating research findings for specific audiences
- Documenting and conducting regular reviews
Fostering interdisciplinary research
As a core part of our research strategy, we’re looking to support and further develop interdisciplinary research at UWL, bringing together researchers from across UWL Schools and Research Centres to explore potential research collaborations and opportunities.
Current interdisciplinary research themes include:
- The future of health
- Making AI work for society
- Advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
- Rethinking risk and security
- Accelerating progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
- Future culture
We are running a series of workshops and events to nurture cross-disciplinary working and the development of cutting-edge research initiatives. Learn more here.
Upcoming events and workshops:
Find out about our upcoming activities, workshops, events and conferences with our Research Support Unit Calendar.
Meet the team
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Professor Aude Bicquelet-Lock
Director of Research and Development
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Dr Max Krafchik
Head of Research and Engagement
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Dr Jana Sulikova
Research Development Manager
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Charlotte Klein
Research Impact Lead
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Dr Francielle Carpenedo
Research Development Officer
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Dr Alexander Benham
Research Development Officer
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Research Leads for our Schools and Colleges
- College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare – Professor Heather Loveday
- London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism –Professor Alexandros Paraskevas
- London School of Film, Media and Design – Professor Garin Dowd
- School of Human and Social Sciences – Professor Ben Hine
- School of Computing and Engineering – Professor Konstantin Nikolic
- London College of Music – Associate Professor Gavin Baker
- School of Medicine and Biosciences – Professor Hermine Mkrtchyan
- Institute for Policing Studies – Professor Graham Brooks
- School of Law – Dr Matteo Zambelli
- Claude Littner Business School – Dr Yehia Nawar
Impact stories
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What if our genes could help identify and treat cancer?
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How do we prevent patients from getting infections in hospitals?
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What would the world look like if Britain had never made a music video?
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How can we help quiet children speak up?
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What if our genes could help identify and treat cancer?
How do we prevent patients from getting infections in hospitals?
What would the world look like if Britain had never made a music video?
How can we help quiet children speak up?
Links to other UWL teams
We work closely with different teams within UWL to support research across the University:
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The Graduate School
If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.
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Knowledge Exchange at the University of West London
Find out more about Knowledge exchange at the University of West London.
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Support for Open Research and Open Access
Find out more about the principles behind Open Research and the nature and significance of its practices and how to develop them.
Resources
Resources
UWL staff can view our resources to support research development and impact on our SharePoint:
Contact us
The Research Support Unit is based on the second floor of Rami Ranger House at Saint Mary’s Road Campus.
- You can reach us as a team via rsu@uwl.ac.uk
- For Research Development specific inquiries please email research@uwl.ac.uk