Research Strategy

Excellence in research and formal recognition of this in the academic, business and wider community is our priority.

Our principal aim is to produce research output of the highest standards and diffuse this output through forums recognised for their international and national leading role in the diffusion of high quality research material. Our research strategy seeks to capitalise on our achievements to date and address areas of weaknesses. In implementing our strategy we recognise the importance of continuing efforts to develop a working environment in which staff research activities are encouraged, supported and valued. Our credo "research is a process that brings value to our people, value to our students, value to the wider community" is the foundation upon which we build our research process.

Research objectives

Three inter-related areas are critical in achieving our principal aim: research output; external funding; the research programme. Specific targets in each of these areas are as follows:

  1. Enhance levels of research output and quality by aiming high

  2. Apply for and win substantial external funding

  3. Further develop our vibrant postgraduate research programme

Implementation

We are committed to enabling all academic staff to be research active and our initiatives are designed to re-enforce this commitment. All members of staff are given support and encouragement to help them contribute to achieving our research strategy. The process of managing the implementation of our research strategy is based on a system of supporting mechanisms, which seek to:

  1. Enhance confidence of our staff to their own research abilities.

  2. Enhance motivation for undertaking high quality research activities.

  3. Provide support, training and infrastructure necessary for undertaking research.

  4. Increase awareness of international, national and regional developments and opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects.