Research excellence

We are a global leader in transformative research, tackling critical challenges, and driving innovation. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our research addresses pressing global issues and changes lives. Known for our strengths in Finance (particularly policy, regulation, accountability and the use of AI in financial services), Leadership (with strong research findings in the areas related to identity-based leadership development, relational and integrity-based leadership and accountability), and Sustainability (in its broadest sense and including energy systems adoption, circular economy and digital transformation). 88% of our research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally outstanding’ in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment. The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021. The next exercise is planned for 2029. 

 Our 14 research centres address some of the world's most critical challenges and deliver impactful research across the global business world, informing policy and changing business practice. They are delivering tangible research findings with applicability across a wide spectrum of stakeholders, industries and organisation. 

 Our longstanding commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity has resulted in impactful research benefiting society. It has also given us an Athena Swan Silver Award.