Research
The University continues to
refine and focus its research profile under the direction of new
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Mark Pollard.
Building on a long tradition of high-quality applied research activity,
83% of staff from the University submitted for the HEFCE Research
Assessment Exercise were in units of assessment awarded grade 4 and
above, recognising our achievements in national and international quality
research. Fifteen of the eighteen submissions made by the University retained
or improved their grades, compared with the previous RAE. One Department
was awarded the highest grade 5*; four were awarded a grade 5 and eight
a grade 4.
Research funding in the strongest
areas has been increased by 145% (to over £1m per year) in Biomedical
Sciences and Cancer Research, by 99% in Informatics and by 36% each
in Pharmacy and Mechanical
Engineering.
Applied research with a practical
focus is very much at the heart of the University's mission, and funding
has been attracted for a wide range of projects including research into
the effects of mobile phone radiation, water and wastewater management,
community waste and polymer engineering.
 A
district-wide forum on 'Post-Ouseley,
Post-Riots: What does it Mean to Be Bradfordian?' brought together
key players from the University and district, as well as Lord Ouseley
and the Chief Executive of Bradford Vision, Sharmila Gandhi, to discuss
the changing social and economic dynamics of Bradford and explore initiatives
such as the Diversity Exchange that emerged out of the Ouseley Report.
Generous support in funding
cancer research has been received from both Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire
Cancer Research.
Health-related research remains
strong - in pharmacy, in drug design, biomedical sciences, dementia care,
nursing and in optometry where it continues to have a major impact on
people's lives across the globe. Work within Peace
Studies has impacted on national and international events as well
as locally through 'Programme for a Peaceful City' post-Ouseley.
Research in the areas of archaeology
and environmental sciences, and across the School
of Social and International Studies has been equally strong and has
provided unique and valuable insights into our culture and environment,
both past and present.
Bradford
School of Management and the School
of Informatics have also seen research breakthroughs that have impacted
on industry and business, introducing new models, systems and technology
and putting Bradford on the international map.
Supporting this work is new
infrastructure funded by the Science Research Interest Fund (SRIF) Programme
which is bringing in £3.7million of interest from HEFCE in capital projects
and equipment, including the Institute
of Pharmaceutical Innovation, the Analytical Centre, an International
Research Centre for Biological Anthropology and the Research Centre for
Integrated Polymer Processing and Modelling.
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