Research at the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science

Impacting lives through collaborative research

Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - Our Results

Our aim is to positively impact lives in Wales, the UK and globally through cutting-edge, collaborative research and innovation.

As recognised by a very strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), we have an excellent research reputation led by world-class researchers that results in health improvements for patients, for industry and the wider public.

Our research stretches from blue skies research into basic biological mechanisms to biomedical science, psychology through to nanotechnology, imaging and translational studies involving patients, NHS service development and industrial collaboration. Our success has been underpinned by our unrivalled research facilities, with modern state-of-the-art buildings and the latest instrumentation.

Research at the Medical School

Research at the School of Psychology

Research at the School of Health and Social Care

Our Research Institutes

Our Research Impact

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science has a vibrant research community which attracts prestigious research funding and exciting PhD students. Recent major research funding awarded to the faculty includes British Heart Foundation, UKRI, HDRUK, ADRN, MRC and Smart Expertise via Welsh Government.

We are committed to tackling global challenges and improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of society. The strength of the Faculty's research community is in its people and in its ambition for excellence. By working collaboratively across the faculty's research themes, our talented researchers are able to push boundaries in their fields and innovation within, and beyond, the research community.

Cross-Cutting Themes

People and Culture

We are committed to the development of our staff community, and strive to improve wellbeing and welfare.

With a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, we bring together communities and raise the profile of Welsh language and culture.

Enterprise and Sport

The University prides itself on its participation, commitment, and achievements in sport at elite, student and community levels.

The Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses Project, led by the University in partnership with Swansea Council, Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda University Health Boards and ARCH, will attract inward investment from companies in the MedTech and Sports Tech sector that will further transform our sporting offer, in terms of facilities, opportunities, sport, health and wellbeing related courses, significant partnerships and our contribution to the health, wealth and wellbeing of the region.

Internationalisation

As well as bringing the world to Wales, we are committed to taking Wales to the world, raising the profile of our research, innovation, language, and culture on the global stage.

We are committed to working with international partners to support our world-leading research and education.

Engagement and The Civic Mission

As a research-led University located in a region where economic and social development are a major priority, we are applying a health improvement lens to economic development for the benefit of the region, Wales and beyond.

We grow our global reputation for academic-industry collaborations with private, public and voluntary sector organisations of all shapes and sizes to drive economic growth, foster prosperity, enrich the local community and Welsh culture and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our citizens.

Through external funding, we are building on the success of projects such as Accelerate Healthcare Technology Centre, the Awen Institute, BEACON, CALIN and PATROLS.

Infrastructure

The Faculty has been at the forefront of the University’s digital and physical infrastructure development since the creation of its flagship research facilities at the Institute of Life Science and the Data Science Building.

Sustainability

We are committed to further strengthening our research and innovation, to ensure commercial viability, while also contributing to University initiatives, the City Deal project and the wider region, and the University Sports Agenda.