Research at Loughborough University
World-leading research and impact at Loughborough
Loughborough is renowned for the relevance of its research, which contributes at the very highest levels to new knowledge and understanding.
The University’s research is driven by society’s need for solutions to real-life issues. The results help business and industry to compete more effectively; shape public policy and, ultimately, help to improve the quality of people’s lives.
What you need to know about our research
- We focus on delivering multi-disciplinary solutions to the biggest challenges that the world faces today, through our Global Research Challenges.
- Collaboration with external partners accounts for 70% of our research, one of the highest proportions in the UK.
- We have world-class facilities available across all areas of our research.
- Over 30% of staff right across the University are involved in pioneering research.
- Our research community is made up of 770 academic staff, 365 research staff and more than 1,600 research students.
- Each year we attract £40 million in new research grants.
- We were awarded 5* for research as part of the QS Stars University Ratings 2014.
- We are a top 10 university in England for research intensity (REF 2014)
A reputation for excellence
As part of our commitment to excellence and impact, we provide a research environment where our academics and postgraduate researchers can excel.
We are constantly questioning, testing and learning. It’s this approach that supports us in gaining momentum and presence on the international stage and increasingly gets us recognised for the quality of our work.
In REF 2014, we were named a top 10 university in England for research intensity. From this:
- Almost 66% of research carried out by academic staff at Loughborough was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.
- Compared to the last assessment we saw a 37% increase in research identified as ‘world-leading’, and a 23% increase in ‘internationally excellent’ research.
- Three departments were rated number one in the country in their fields.
- The results also showed the University has the largest concentration of world-leading research in sport and exercise sciences.
Find out more about the motivations, collaborations and life-shaping solutions that are shaping our outstanding reputation in research.
