Citizen Writes
Research hot topics
Five years of world-changing research
29/07/2026
Professor Richard Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, reflects on the progress and impact over the past five years of the World-Changing Research theme of our strategy .
Research has always been one of the defining strengths of the University of Leicester. It is how we tackle complex challenges, improve lives and contribute new knowledge to the world around us.
Over the past five years, our researchers have continued to push boundaries despite a challenging higher education landscape. Through ambitious collaborations, targeted investment and a commitment to research that delivers real-world impact, Leicester has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.
That progress has been recognised nationally and internationally. In REF 2021, Leicester achieved its strongest-ever performance, ranking 30th in the UK for research quality according to Times Higher Education analysis. The University is also ranked 26th globally for research quality in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, a reflection of the creativity, expertise and dedication of our research community.
Tackling the world’s biggest challenges
A major milestone has been the creation of five interdisciplinary research institutes, designed to bring together expertise from across the University to address some of society’s most pressing issues.
- The Institute for Precision Health is helping to shape the future of healthcare through earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments and personalised approaches to patient care.
- The Institute for Environmental Futures is developing practical solutions to climate and environmental challenges, supporting communities to become more resilient and sustainable.
- The Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology is accelerating discoveries at the intersection of chemistry and biology, opening up new possibilities in medicine, biotechnology and human health.
- The Institute for Digital Culture is exploring how digital innovation can transform culture, heritage and the creative industries while strengthening engagement with communities.
- Meanwhile, the Institute for Space, working closely with Space Park Leicester, is advancing research and innovation in one of the UK’s most dynamic science and technology sectors.
Together, these institutes demonstrate Leicester’s commitment to research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and delivers benefits far beyond academia.
Record levels of research investment
Our research awards have more than doubled over the past five years, exceeding £100 million annually for the first time in Leicester’s history.
Major awards include £26 million to support National Institute for Health and Care Research biomedical research activity, £14 million for research into lifestyle and chronic disease prevention, and a landmark £10 million award from the Leverhulme Trust to establish the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space.
The Leverhulme Centre captures something distinctive about Leicester: our ability to connect world-class space science with big human questions. It asks how space exploration can benefit life on Earth, while also helping us think responsibly about humanity’s future beyond it.
Space remains one of Leicester’s most distinctive areas of international strength. The launch and continued development of Space Park Leicester has created a powerful hub for research, innovation and industry collaboration, bringing academics, businesses and government partners together in ways that support regional growth and reinforce Leicester’s global reputation in the space sector.
Partnerships with global reach
Research thrives through collaboration, and we have continued to expand partnerships that amplify the impact of our work.
One example is the University’s growing relationship with Apollo Hospitals Group, which includes collaboration on the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine. By combining expertise in healthcare, data and technology, the partnership aims to improve patient outcomes while developing innovative approaches to health challenges faced around the world.
Turning ideas into impact
Alongside discovery, Leicester is increasingly focused on translating research into tangible benefits for society.
The University has strengthened support for innovation and entrepreneurship, helping academic ideas move towards clinical, commercial and societal application. Recent successes include the creation of new spin-out companies that are transforming research breakthroughs into products, services and opportunities for economic growth.
This work is supported by initiatives such as Forging Ahead and Midlands Mindforge, which are helping universities and partners across the region turn cutting-edge research into successful ventures that start, scale and remain in the Midlands.
Building a culture of excellence
Leicester’s achievements are built on more than funding and facilities. They are underpinned by a research culture that values integrity, openness and collaboration.
The University has gained national recognition for its leadership in open and responsible research, including multiple awards through the UK Reproducibility Network. By championing transparency, inclusion and rigorous research practices, Leicester is helping to create an environment where researchers can deliver their best work and where society can have confidence in the knowledge they produce.
Looking ahead
Across healthcare, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, heritage and culture, space science and many other fields, our researchers are making a real difference.
Their work is improving lives, informing policy, driving economic growth and expanding understanding of the world around us.
As the University refreshes its Citizens of Change strategy, it does so from a position of considerable strength. The achievements of the past five years provide a powerful foundation for the future – one built on talented people, ambitious ideas, meaningful partnerships and a determination to deliver research that changes the world for the better.