Our research

Our research is changing the world for the better. In collaboration with our global partners, we’re tackling some of society’s most urgent problems - including global health and the climate crisis - and we’re proud that 80% of our research is deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021).

Research institutes

Our interdisciplinary institutes and centres are undertaking cutting edge research that aims to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges. They bring students, academics and researchers together from across the University, and serve as hubs that stimulate collaboration and debate.

Research within our faculties and schools

The recent Research Excellence Framework (REF, 2021) confirmed Keele's position as a leading university for research of world-class quality and international excellence. 80% of the research conducted at Keele was classified as world-leading and internationally excellent, with top-rated research in all three faculties.

Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Business
    Research in work and employment, organisations and markets, environmental accounting, financial markets, social justice, trade, tourism and international business.
  • Humanities
    Research in American studies, English and creative writing, history, media, culture, music and music technology
  • Law
    Research in social justice, human rights, international and European law, ethics in health and social care, legal education and the regulation of gender and sexuality.
  • Social Sciences
    Research in criminology, education, politics and international relations, philosophy and sociology.

Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Medicine
    Research in medicine and primary care.

Natural Sciences

  • Chemical and Physical Sciences
    Research in chemical sciences, physics and astrophysics, with particular strengths in astrophysics, materials chemistry, synthetic and analytical chemistry.
  • Computer Science and Mathematics
    Research in computer science, mathematics and smart energy, including fluid and solid dynamics, software engineering, medical statistics, evolutionary systems, number theory, computational intelligence, engineering mathematics and computational biology.
  • Life Sciences
    Research in applied entomology and parasitology, cell and molecular medicine, neuroscience, molecular and structural biosciences.
  • Psychology
    Research in cognition, brain and behaviour; development psychology; health and well-being and social psychological research.