Research Impact
University of South Wales's research makes a difference in the real world, changing lives, and our world, for the better.
We place engagement, partnership and collaboration at the heart of everything we do.
Our research provides solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing society and the economy today, from supporting innovation and economic growth to tackling climate change, promoting equality to improving access to healthcare for all.
Explore examples of our research impact below to see how our research has benefitted policy, health, business, culture and the environment.
Once for Wales Health Passport
Commissioned by Improvement Cymru, this project focused on the development of a tool to assist communication for people with learning disabilities in healthcare settings.
Language provision for forced migrants
Research by USW and the Welsh Refugee Council has improved access to English language education for forced migrants in south Wales and informed government policy on ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Development of AD infrastructure
Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a powerful means for cutting waste and dramatically shrinking our carbon footprint. Research between USW and industrial partners has resulted in the development of anaerobic digestion infrastructure in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Improving outcomes in homicide investigations
Our research has transformed homicide investigative practice by improving collaborative working practices across criminal justice agencies, informed Home Office design of strategies to reduce homicide and influenced investigative policy and practice nationally and internationally.
Supporting equality of access to public services
USW research on the geographical patterns in the changing landscape of service provision in Wales has been used by Senedd Research in briefings on transport and inequalities, specifically, research on the impacts of reduced access to bus travel in the wake of the pandemic.
Future-proofing practices for storytelling
USW researchers worked with a team of developers, including Tiny Rebel Games and Aardman, to create Wallace & Gromit: the Big Fix Up, an augmented reality project for Audience of the Future, a UKRI-funded venture to reinvent digital storytelling using emerging technologies.
Research and innovation on antimicrobial resistance
USW spin-out company Llusern Scientific specialises in rapid molecular diagnostic tests. It has developed an innovative point-of-care test that will conserve antibiotics for future generations.
Advancing patient safety through innovative health education
USW spin-out company Authentic World Ltd is the global leader in the design and development of virtual authentic drug dosage calculation learning and assessment environments. Used by more than 80% of undergraduate nurses in the UK, safeMedicate has a presence in 12 countries, including USA, Canada and Australia.
Industry-academia partnership solves business problem
Researchers lent their mechanical engineering expertise to indie company Tarian Drums, devising an innovative solution for their product line of bespoke instruments.