University of Bradford Annual Report 2000/01

Research in Action

The University of Bradford has a long tradition of undertaking innovative, high-profile and applied research. This cutting-edge research has real benefits for both our students and for society as a whole. Research grants and contracts within the University have continued to grow - 2000/2001 totals were £6.64m - with innovations across the field.

Two of our spin-off companies, Bradford Particle Design and Advanced Gel Technology, are already generating income for the region and we are continuing to build on this work via our integrated 3rd mission activity.

A £3.7million cash boost to support scientific research at the University has allowed us to invest in internationally competitive areas of research such as Pharmacy and Polymer Engineering. Continued investment in research facilities is vital to success, especially in areas such as the search for new drugs and diagnostics to treat killer diseases like cancer, develop key new technologies and further understand man's impact on the environment.

Generous support in funding cancer research has been received from both the Cancer Research Campaign and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Health-related research remains strong - in pharmacy, in drug design, biomedical sciences, dementia care, nursing and in optometry. Ground-breaking research in these areas has a major impact on people's lives nationally and internationally. Similar work in Peace Studies, through the Development and Project Planning Centre and through the Department of Environmental Sciences is helping to transform lives and improve the environment for us all.

Research in the areas of archaeology and across the School of Social and International Studies has been equally strong and has provided unique and valuable insights into our culture, past and present, setting these in context and harnessing that knowledge in positive and dynamic ways.

In the School of Management and across the School of Informatics, research breakthroughs have impacted on the way industry and business operates, in introducing new technology and systems and in helping put Bradford on the international map.

Research highlights include:

• Work to tackle serious environmental problems in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
• Research into the cultural and symbolic issues around cannibalism
• Work to tackle eye problems and migraine
• Research examining the origins of Buddhism
• Revolutionary new antenna designs to minimise the radiation risk of mobile phones
• Computer modelling to determine exposure to indoor pollutants and to monitor their impact on our health
• Research into the spread of syphilis in the medieval period
• Dementia care mapping research, exploring new and better ways of helping people with dementia
• Research into the needs of people with serious terminal illnesses
• Research into new cures for cancer