Signature Research Areas

Our College Strategy draws on four existing areas of significant research collaboration across the College which we call our Signature Research Areas [SRAs]. Central to each of these areas is the notion of ‘connective expertise’. By this, we mean distinctive expertise held at scale within the College that has transcended a single disciplinary location by virtue of the multiple collaborations it has inspired, both intellectually (inter/multidisciplinary) and practically (partnerships and applications). Extending the transformational international reach of these areas through further consolidation, amplification and ongoing innovation is key to all aspects of our Strategy. This entails also leaving space for new ideas and approaches with uncertain outcomes / applications / affiliations that may, over time, yield new signature areas.

Our Signature Research Areas include both ‘engaged’ and ‘blue skies’ research. ‘Engaged’ research is undertaken with community partners and directly committed to addressing issues of public concern; ‘blue skies’ research is less immediately goal-driven, but can ultimately be equally impactful. We value a wide range of impacts from our research. We support less directly measurable forms of enhancing the public good (e.g. through cultural and educational activities) alongside the more measurable markers of economic uplift and behavioural change.