Impact Case Studies
USW’s research is aimed at making a difference in the real
world, changing lives, and the world, for the better.
Our research
provides solutions to the challenges faced by society and the economy,
with researchers working across disciplines to help businesses,
communities, and policy makers benefit from their research outputs.
Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
Our research has raised awareness of spiritual care in nursing and midwifery, and changed education, policy and practice nationally and internationally.
Work by the Addictions Research Group has increased awareness of Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) nationally and internationally, and informed regional and national government policy and professional practice.
Collaborative research with partner health boards has transformed health visitor professional practice in Wales.
Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Our research into genomic and biotechnological tools for improvement of crops in developing countries such as Malaysia has impacted government policy and R&D strategies.
Our research on human-wildlife coexistence has transformed best practice and influenced environmental policy in Indonesia and Costa Rica, benefiting biodiversity, people and ecosystems.
Mathematical Sciences
Our research conducted with industry has generated significant economic and environmental impacts for UK companies, through energy cost savings and reduction in carbon emissions.
Our researchers have made significant contributions to international weather and climate prediction models used by agencies around the world. USW is working with NASA to develop forecasting models and create a worldwide standard for test cases in atmospheric models.
Computer Science and Informatics
Innovative tools developed by USW's GIS Research Unit have enabled government, national sporting bodies and charitable organisations improve their strategic planning and better support the delivery of key services.
Our research has enhanced digital heritage and archaeological information resources, positively impacting the work of archaeologists and heritage practitioners, nationally and internationally.
Engineering
Research by USW's Hydrogen Centre has influenced the development of government policy on hydrogen and accelerated industrial engagement in decarbonisation, particularly through the development of novel techniques to recover hydrogen from steel making.
Our research into new waste treatment technologies has put Wales in third position globally for municipal recycling rates and led to state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion infrastructure.
Our research has been instrumental in EU policy changes that have resulted in 2.4 billion m3/yr of biomethane for grid and transport use.
Business and Management Studies
Our research has led to Welsh national and local government policy interventions to improve the effectiveness of government procurement and the ability for local businesses to bid for and win contracts.
Our research into support for female entrepreneurship has contributed to the development of government policy and business support in Wales and the UK.
Social Work and Social Policy
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.
Research led by Professor Ali Wardak developed a hybrid model of justice system which is helping to reform the criminal justice system in Afghanistan and has supported a positive change in attitude towards women’s rights.
Our research into the misuse of prescription-only medication influenced the Welsh Government’s Substance Misuse Delivery Plan and is helping to improve access to treatment.
Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
Our research in performance psychology and biofeedback has been used to prepare over 100 elite athletes to deal with the pressures encountered at world-level sporting events. Research in reflective practice has informed Football Association of Wales Trust (FAWT) and UEFA coach education programmes.
Our research has transformed hamstring strain injury prevention and rehabilitation in multiple sports worldwide.
English Language and Literature
The stories of St Cadoc, one of founders of Christian Wales and an early contender for patron saint, have been brought to a wider audience by our English research.
Research by Dr Mike Chick 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).
History
Work by USW historian Professor Chris Evans on the suppressed history of Wales and Atlantic slavery is affecting the ways in which public bodies and creative artists handle a difficult, contested past.
Our research on pilgrimage in medieval Wales has directly informed the Welsh Government’s policy on tourism and highlighted the potential of pilgrimage routes to attract visitors to Wales and generate sustainable economic benefits in disadvantaged areas.
Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies
Our research-led interdisciplinary arts and performance project investigated the Welsh-Khasi cultural exchange and its effects on cultural identities in various (post)colonial contexts.
Our research has helped transform the media landscape in Wales by enhancing public scrutiny of broadcasting. USW researchers also helped secure major new investment for innovation in Wales’ screen sector.
Our research and storytelling methodologies have helped bridge communication gaps, promote understanding, and enhance environmental, community, and individual health and wellbeing.