Research in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS) brings together experts from Health and Social Wellbeing, Applied Sciences and Social Sciences.

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.

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 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.

Breaking research boundaries

We’re tackling the big issues of today and tomorrow head on. This is big, brave thinking for a better future.  It’s research done well. Research with the power to transform lives, transform the future.  

Breaking research boundaries

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 study

Our Graduate School offers you the opportunity to contribute to our dynamic and leading edge research.

Postgraduate research study

Research by department

Students conducting lab research

Research in the Department of 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.
Psychology students conducting research

Research in the Department of Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences is active in many research areas, with real-world impact. Our research projects attract national and international funding.
Academics looking at a technical scan on a computer.

Research in the School of Health and Social Wellbeing

The School of Health and Social Wellbeing engages in a diverse programme of transformative research that has real world impact.