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

The UWL logo on the wall of the University's West London campus, Ealing site

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.

Small plant growing out of money coins

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

A group of students working on laptops and looking at a shared screen on the wall

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
Two students, wearing white coats and protective glasses in a lab setting handling specialist equipment while one is on a laptop.

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

Impact stories

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:

Resources

Two students present with a staff members smiling at a screen with protective glasses on.

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.