Finding a progressive research environment

The University of Bristol is in the top rank of UK research universities. We have world-class research teams and facilities across the 45 departments and 15 research centres that make up our six academic faculties - Arts, Engineering, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, Science, and Social Sciences and Law.

In the most recent UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) over 60% of the research work assessed in 48 research fields at Bristol has been awarded either the top 4* rating, defined as world leading, or the 3* rating, classed as internationally excellent. We are continuing to strengthen our position through our innovative research strategy, and a ten-year, £250 million capital programme to create new and improved facilities.

New facilities already in operation include the £28 million, state-of-the-art Dorothy Hodgkin Building, one of the world's leading centres for neuroendocrinological research, and the recently opened £18.5 million Bristol Laboratory for Advanced Dynamics Enginering (BLADE). Successful bids to develop two new national Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will also lead to £21 million of investment in Chemistry and Medical Sciences facilities.

The University works hard to attract research funding from a wide range of partners. For instance, we have recently been awarded 14 academic fellowships, each worth £125,000 over five years, in a competition run by the Research Councils UK (RCUK). To encourage innovation amongst our research teams we have set up the Bristol Enterprise Network (BEN), designed to drive and encourage a spirit of enterprise throughout the University and beyond. As a researcher, this provides you with expert assistance for exploring the commercial opportunities of your work.

For an insight into some of the University's current research activities, have a look at our on-line re:search magazine.

This supportive infrastructure of funding, facilities and expertise means that we have created a lively research-intensive environment where the very best of UK and international research talent can develop and build fulfilling careers.

Interested in our annual report?