Research in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS) brings together experts from the Allied Health Professions, Applied Sciences, Health and Social Sciences, and Nursing and Midwifery.

The Faculty has a vibrant research culture organised primarily through research centres, groups and institutes.

Research centres

Centre for Appearance Research

The Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) is the world's largest research group focusing on the role of appearance and body image in people's lives.

Centre for Health and Clinical Research

Bringing together researchers working in the fields of long-term conditions, palliative and supportive care, and emergency care, to inform knowledge mobilisation across the lifespan.

Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing

Connecting experts from mental health sciences; children and young people; emergency and critical care; public health and wellbeing; health, ethics and society and evaluative research.

Centre for Research in Biosciences

Incorporating world-class research in the fields of biomedicine, plant science, bio-sensing technology and environmental science.

Research groups

Psychological Sciences Research Group

The Psychological Sciences Research Group (PSRG) conducts applied research that has a positive influence on people and places; at home, in the workplace, and in the wider social environment.

Social Science Research Group

The Social Science Research Group is a multidisciplinary, applied research grouping that is dedicated to facilitate a better understanding of the complex social world that we live in.

Institutes and more

Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology

Industry and academia working together to develop novel bio-sensing technologies.

Social Science in the City

Social Science in the City is a free public engagement event addresses important questions about how we might live and work in today's society.

Science Communication Unit

The Science Communication Unit (SCU) is internationally renowned for its diverse and innovative activities, designed to engage the public with science.

Research with impact

Read more about the real world impact of research from the Faculty of Health of and Applied Sciences.

A germ that can speed up leukaemia treatment

Our researchers have harnessed the glow-in-the-dark properties of bacteria to help some leukaemia treatment sufferers.

Biofilm model systems

A system developed at UWE Bristol to measure the growth rate of microbes has been adopted by companies for healthcare products.

Careful talk saves lives

UWE Bristol research has led to improved teamwork between healthcare professionals during hospital emergencies.

Changing policy on human tafficking

Research at UWE Bristol has influenced policy on human trafficking and improved the human rights of exploited migrants.

Cleft lip support

Care for people with cleft lip and palate now includes support from a professional psychologist thanks to UWE Bristol research.

Engaging young people in healthier living

Ground-breaking research at UWE Bristol has helped to dramatically improve their quality of life for young people.

Helping children with impaired communication skills

The findings from UWE Bristol research into children's communication have directly influenced major policy reports and have improved therapy practice.

Helping people with osteoarthritis

Research at UWE Bristol has developed a method, now adopted nationwide, to help people with osteoarthritis.

Helping people with rheumatoid arthritis

Research at UWE Bristol has led to a process of measuring fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis which has been adopted internationally.

Sensing our health

UWE Bristol researchers are developing cutting-edge technology called ‘magnetic-biosensors’ to accurately detect biological molecules.

Tackling negative body image

Negative body image is a significant global health issue. UWE Bristol research has informed major industry and policy initiatives to tackle it.

Research links and collaboration

Many projects are undertaken in collaboration with end-users to focus on meeting the needs of a sustainable economy and society, and we have leadership roles in several major regional, national and international initiatives.

Our collaborators include health trusts, local, national and international communities, local councils, government departments and private companies – ranging from start-ups to multinationals, patients and their carers, museums and schools.

A key collaboration is Bristol Health Partners, of which we are a member along with the University of Bristol, Bristol City Council and six NHS organisations serving the area.

The Journal of Psycho-Social Studies is an established international e-journal, edited by Dr Elizabeth Frost. Discover scholarly articles, new ideas and book reviews in the field of Psycho-Social Studies.

Research ethics and governance

We have a Faculty Research Ethics Committee that is committed to promoting high ethical standards in the conduct of research undertaken by our staff and students.

Research development

The extent of research development in HAS was underlined by the results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework when it led UWE Bristol submissions in:

Allied Health Professions and Nursing (79% of the submissions deemed world-leading or internationally excellent).
Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Science (63% world-leading or internationally excellent).
Politics and International Studies (34% world-leading or internationally excellent).
Social Work and Social Policy (46% world-leading or internationally excellent).
Philosophy (43% world-leading or internationally excellent).

Our research is funded by a wide range of organisations including the UK Research and Innovation, European Commission and the National Health Service.

Professor Olena Doran
Associate Dean, Research

Postgraduate research

We welcome enquires from those interested in postgraduate research study with us. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced academic staff, we are perfectly equipped to carry out some of the most unique and exciting research in our subject areas.

Postgraduate research study

Research by department

Allied Health Professions

Home to research in the areas of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy and Oncology, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Music Therapy, Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation.

Applied Sciences

The Department of Applied Sciences is active in many areas of research and has established research projects attracting funding from various bodies, both in the UK and abroad. The Department also hosts the Centre for Research in Biosciences.

Health and Social Sciences

The Department of Health and Social Sciences is active in many research areas, with real-world impact. Our research projects attract national and international funding.

Nursing and Midwifery

Bringing together specialists conducting research in adult nursing, children's nursing, learning disability nursing, mental health nursing and midwifery.