Research and External Engagement (REE)

We are a bold, connected and impact-driven service, uniting students, apprentices, researchers, alumni, businesses and community partners to drive UWE Bristol’s ambitions in employability, research, innovation, and skills.

At our core, we create a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration sparks ideas, research drives real-world change, and partnerships open doors to new possibilities.

Through cutting-edge research, immersive learning and strategic alliances, we empower individuals to shape the future.

Our ‘one service’ approach puts students, apprentices, academics, and external partners at the heart of everything we do. We operate with a service-first mindset and a commercial edge—delivering clear, accessible products through a digital-first experience.

With a laser focus on impact, we embed transparency and measurable success into every step we take.

Panoramic view of Bristol harbour' with coloured houses on the hill and boats/ships on the waterfront.

Our structure

Research and External Engagement is organised by three main pillars:

Business and Community
Research
Skills

with four cross-cutting teams:

Business and Alumni Partnerships
Bidding, Income and Development
Civic and Inclusivity
Operations - Engagement and Enabling

Young adult Indian woman in navy blue white polka-dotted long-sleeved top using laptop at a table.

Research and External Engagement (REE) blog

Keep up-to-date with news about our innovative research, Business Services, Degree Apprenticeships, Professional Development, Graduate Talent and Recruitment.

View all REE blogs

By Boudewijn Devanicus, Research Development Manager (Health and Science) at UWE Bristol. Earlier this year we looked at how UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Spending Review settlement reorganised research funding into four strategic investment areas across 2026–30: That blog focused on the broad “buckets” of UKRI funding. UKRI has now published its new five-year strategy (2026–2031) alongside its Delivery … Continue reading "What UKRI’s new strategy means for UWE Bristol"

What UKRI’s new strategy means for UWE Bristol
Have you ever wondered about the future of the healthcare industry? Who is taking us with them? Let’s Talk Health and Care Podcast (LTH&C), a part of the Integrated Care Academy (ICA) at UWE Bristol, aims to unveil the answers to these key questions and introduce you to the academics, researchers, founders and community leaders … Continue reading "Real Issues, Real People, Real Change: The Future of Health & Care in a Podcast"

Real Issues, Real People, Real Change: The Future of Health & Care in a Podcast
This is a guest blog by Jane Exon, Apprenticeship Employer Development Manager at UWE Bristol. July is always one of the most exciting and proud highlights of the year for all of us involved in apprenticeships at UWE Bristol. It is a moment to celebrate achievement, perseverance and business partnerships. We proudly applauded our 2026 … Continue reading "Building futures together through Degree Apprenticeships"

Building futures together through Degree Apprenticeships
Image: The Health Ambassadors from left to right: Zia Haque; Louise Hill-Davis; Trace Mulzac; Sayambrita Mukherjee; Samina Baig; Alina Fieroiu UWE Bristol is at the forefront of developing innovative, community-led approaches to inclusive health research through its Health Research Ambassadors model. The Challenge Health research often excludes the very communities most affected by poor health … Continue reading "Case Study: UWE Bristol Leading Inclusive Health Research Through Health Ambassadors "

Case Study: UWE Bristol Leading Inclusive Health Research Through Health Ambassadors
They help equip young people with the skills and experience needed to succeed, while supporting the local workforce to thrive. Guest blog by Lucy Wicksteed, Assistant Director of Research and External Engagement for Business It’s hard to remember a recent week when the value and purpose of universities wasn’t being debated somewhere in the national media. … Continue reading "Meaningful partnerships between universities and industry are essential if we are to bridge the gap between education, training and employment."

Meaningful partnerships between universities and industry are essential if we are to bridge the gap between education, training and employment.
This blog has been co-authored by Alicia Hallatt and Allan Macleod from the Civic and Inclusivity team. At a time when universities are coming under scrutiny to be more than just places of academic teaching and research, UWE Bristol is continuing to actively embed its civic ambition across the institution. Our role in Bristol One … Continue reading "Reflections on the June 2026 One City Gathering: Inclusive, Equitable and Sustainable Economy"

Reflections on the June 2026 One City Gathering: Inclusive, Equitable and Sustainable Economy
About Lynne Fernandes Optometrists: Lynne Fernandes Optometrists is a highly skilled, national award-winning Optometrists founded by Lynne and Gerard Fernandes. It is one of the most respected and trusted UK independent opticians, with highly qualified optometrists and industry-leading technology. Their innovative eye care and exemplary customer service is continuously improved by investment in equipment and products … Continue reading "Knowledge Transfer Partnership case study – Lynne Fernandes Optometrists"

Knowledge Transfer Partnership case study – Lynne Fernandes Optometrists
This blog is guest written by Johnathan Hall, Business Partnerships Manager for Health and Social Care. Reflecting on key themes from UWE Bristol’s Festival of Research to explore how stronger collaboration between universities and health organisations can help tackle pressing challenges such as health inequalities and digital integration. This week was UWE Bristol’s Festival of … Continue reading "Collaboration, Innovation and Health: Reflections from the Festival of Research"

Collaboration, Innovation and Health: Reflections from the Festival of Research