Research strategy - Oxford Brookes University (2024)

Oxford Brookes University's Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy underpins the University’s strategic goal of being “committed to international and world-leading research that is exploited and disseminated for the benefit of our communities.”

We have strong foundations for our updated strategy which follows an excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. It found that:

• 94% of our submitted research was internationally-recognised or better (up from 78% in 2008)
• 59% per cent was judged to be of ‘world leading’ quality or ‘internationally excellent’ (up from 36% in 2008)
• Quality-related research funding increased by 41% compared to a sector average increase of 3%.

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1. To pursue and support research of the highest quality that is, or has the potential to become, recognised as internationally excellent or world-leading.

• We recognise that our staff are central to our success and we will continue to introduce and invest in programmes to support colleagues at all stages of their career
• We will continue to invest in research infrastructure and support colleagues in funding applications
• We recognise that research students are vital to our research ambitions and will invest in the delivery of high-quality doctoral training programmes

2. To promote and support collaborations and partnerships across the institution and with external partners locally, nationally and globally.

• We recognise that many of the world’s challenges and priorities will require us to respond more effectively through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary initiatives
• We will continue to support and develop our successful University Research Centres
• We will pursue opportunities for research and knowledge exchange with industrial, commercial, public sector partnerships

3. To enhance the impact of our research in its broadest terms, and widen dissemination of our research for the benefit of our communities, whether local, regional, national or global, including our staff and students.

• We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive research environment which also enhances the student experience.
• We will focus our research to help improve the lives of people both worldwide and within our local community
• We will engage with our communities on the outputs and impacts of our research

“We know from the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 that we are in a strong position with 94 per cent of our submitted research internationally-recognised or better. Our quality related research funding increased by 41 per cent against a sector average of three per cent and part of our strategy highlights our commitment to further supporting and developing both staff and students over the coming years.”

Professor Linda King, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research & Global Partnership)