Our Research Strategy aligns with and supports the University’s overall mission to make a difference in the world.

It concentrates on impactful research excellence, and focuses on six key objectives to direct our research activities and expectations over the next four years until REF2029: 

 

1. Enhance Research Excellence 
Significantly increase the amount of world-leading work submitted to the next Research Excellence Framework (REF).

2. Boost Research and Enterprise Income 
Increase our research and enterprise income, particularly through collaborative networks with other UK and international higher education institutions (HEIs).

3. Develop Thematic Research Areas 
Establish and promote research themes that develop and inspire our researchers, including: 

  • Creative and Cultural Industries 
  • Transnational Creativity and Education 
  • Environmental Humanities (intersecting art, science, culture, and environment) 

4. Foster Collaborative and Entrepreneurial Partnerships 
Act as a dynamic partner in the UK’s creative and cultural economy by shaping practice, driving innovation, and influencing policy through impactful research. 

5. Expand Global Research Networks 
Position ourselves as the UK gateway to a global network of partner research institutions, specializing in professional, creative, and critical practices. 

6. Attract and Support Emerging Researchers 
Become a university of choice for early career research staff (ECRs) and postgraduate research students within our research specialisations. 

These objectives build on Bath Spa’s established research strengths while expanding the breadth and depth of our interdisciplinary expertise, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic research environment and ensuring that research underpins everything that we do.

Discover more in our Research Strategy 2030.