Research Excellence Framework - University of South Wales

USW achieved a significant increase in world-leading research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

This achievement underscores USW's commitment as a civic, impact-driven research institution dedicated to addressing real-world challenges.

Key Achievements

A 49% enhancement in world-leading research (categorised as 4*) at USW since the previous REF in 2014.
Nearly two-thirds of USW researchers, participating in REF 2021, have research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*).
USW now ranks fourth in Wales for impact (a climb from 8th in 2014), with 81% of its research impact recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*).
Six Units of Assessment entered by the University have achieved 100% of their research impact classified as world-leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*), many leading the way in the UK and Wales.

Discover our Research

"Our impact alone demonstrates the type of research university that we are - providing real-world solutions to society and the economy and supporting our communities, both local and international, that we serve.”

Professor Martin Steggall, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Explore Our Case Studies

A student studying learning disability nursing reads a menu to a patient in a cafe

A3: Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

A postgraduate student wearing a white laboratory coat and blue medical gloves conducts a wildlife ecology experiment using a small electrical device in a biological sciences laboratory

B7: Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

Professor Paul Roach speaks while pointing at an equation written in marker on a white board

B10: Mathematical Sciences

An abstract 3D illustration of a circuit board with futuristic server code processing showing an orange, green, and blue technology background with bokeh

B11: Computer Science and Informatics

Cement plant with high factory structure and tower cranes at industrial production area. Manufacture and global industry concept.

B12: Engineering

A wide aerial-view of the Cardiff city skyline including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay and the green spaces within Cardiff

C17: Business and Management Studies

A group of adults dressed in casual clothes sitting in a circle and talking to each other about their mental well-being.

C20: Social Work and Social Policy

Professor Damian Bailey looks at the camera while dressed in a while laboratory coat as they adjust a piece of scientific equipment on a student's head

C24: Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism

A pair of hands rest on top of each other while holding a pen and wearing a watch on top of a small notebook that is filled with handwritten notes on a picnic table

D27: English Language and Literature

A historical black and white photo of women stood outside in front of trees holding a protest banner containing the Welsh Dragon, and the words

D28: History

Professor Paul Carr reads sheet music on a tablet in front of a mixing desk in a recording studio

D33: Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies

A postgraduate student wearing a white laboratory coat and blue medical gloves conducts a wildlife ecology experiment using a small electrical device in a biological sciences laboratory

Professor Paul Roach speaks while pointing at an equation written in marker on a white board

An abstract 3D illustration of a circuit board with futuristic server code processing showing an orange, green, and blue technology background with bokeh

Cement plant with high factory structure and tower cranes at industrial production area. Manufacture and global industry concept.

A wide aerial-view of the Cardiff city skyline including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay and the green spaces within Cardiff

A group of adults dressed in casual clothes sitting in a circle and talking to each other about their mental well-being.

Professor Damian Bailey looks at the camera while dressed in a while laboratory coat as they adjust a piece of scientific equipment on a student's head

A pair of hands rest on top of each other while holding a pen and wearing a watch on top of a small notebook that is filled with handwritten notes on a picnic table

A historical black and white photo of women stood outside in front of trees holding a protest banner containing the Welsh Dragon, and the words

Professor Paul Carr reads sheet music on a tablet in front of a mixing desk in a recording studio

A student studying learning disability nursing reads a menu to a patient in a cafe

Impact Case Studies

The Afghanistan flag on a pole against a blue sky

A hybrid model of justice system in Afghanistan

A nurse and a student nurse talk to a small child with picture cards and toys on the carpet of a paediatrician's office

Addressing long-standing health inequalities in Wales

Two farmers outside in Malaysia farming their crops

Contributing to Global Food Security

Steam and smoke rising from distillation towers and cooling towers towards the left at Grangemouth oil refinery and petrochemical plant in Central Scotland.

Developing statistical tools for energy management services

A man wearing a blue shirt and a leather-style jacket is sat down looking at someone with a soft smile.

Enhanced language provision for forced migrants in Wales

Two patients sit in chairs with their arms supported by pillows while attached to medical machines administering treatment in a hospital ward

Enhancing public policy delivery through the application of GIS

People swimming in lanes in a swimming pool.

From Practice to Podium

3D Render of a Topographic Map of the Northern Atlantic Ocean with the clouds from October 16, 2023. Storm Babet over the Atlantic Ocean west of the Iberian Peninsula.

Improving International Weather and Climate Prediction

City Hall in Cardiff against a blue sky with clouds

Improving Procurement Policy and Practice

Two women sat at a desk filled with papers smiling and laughing.

Influencing and developing women’s entrepreneurship policy in the UK

Gloved hands inspecting evidence at a crime scene.

Influencing policy and practice in the investigation and prevention of homicide

Aerial view down onto green forest.

Informing policy for tropical terrestrial biodiversity conservation

The University's Ty Crawshays building at Treforest, Pontypridd.

Pioneering use of hydrogen for industry and transport

A picture of gas pipes with a field in the background.

Policy and technology developments sustainable and commercial implementation

Anaerobic digestion plants.

Policy changes and commercial deployment of innovative sustainable waste

A member of a film crew using a film camera on set.

Providing evidence for improved media policy and sustainable TV production

A variety of different pills spilled out on to a table

Reducing harm and saving lives in situations of substance misuse

Old church bell tower with a grey sky in the background

St Cadoc in South East Wales

Portrait of cheerful mixed age range multi ethnic women smiling and laughing together

Storytelling for wellbeing: Moving from vision to best practice

Close up image of a professional male sprinter mid race

The global multisport impact of the NordBord

Woman at table looking at genealogical tree

Transforming archaeological data practice

An image of the mountains in Castell Dinas Bran, Llangollen.

Wales: A pilgrimage country

Wales and Atlantic Slavery: Redressing Historical Amnesia

Two men kneeling in a field passing an object between them

Welsh and Khasi cultural dialogues