Interdisciplinary research

The expansion and development of specialist research centres has enhanced our research efforts and coordinated cross-disciplinary responses to complex social justice challenges.

Members of our Centres are supported by the University’s Research Institutes, such as the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, Population Health Science Institute, Joan Golding Institute and Migration Mobilities Bristol. They have been able to secure funding, take part in multi-agency projects, influence the future direction of research for their specialisms - and drive opportunities for investment in the next generation of researchers.

Other sources of support within the University include Research and Enterprise Development (RED), PolicyBristol and the Professional Liaison Network, which are all important in stimulating and facilitating engagement between academia and business, public or third sector bodies.

External collaborations

The reach, significance and impact of our research is illustrated through engagement and collaborations with external partners:

• our researchers are often cited in high-profile cases in courts around the world
• they contribute to law reform, especially the criminal justice system
• they engage with contemporary policy debates, with many staff contributing to parliament’s policy-making and scrutiny roles  
• they are members of numerous commissions, think tanks, advisory groups, learned societies and editorial boards

Our role as a civic university

Whilst national and international engagement is strongly encouraged our researchers are equally supported when reaching out to the local community as part of Bristol’s ‘civic university’ agenda. Over the years we have built up a programme of active engagement with a range of civic actors and organisations in the Bristol-city region.