Making a difference

Research at Birmingham City University is supported by the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Strategy, which is a clear mandate to grow our vibrant research community, create impact at local, national and international levels, and invest in research for the good of student experience, enterprise and innovation. Birmingham City University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) results demonstrate the significant and wide-reaching impact of our research and a marked improvement in overall quality. With our REF2021 submission, we aim to demonstrate the growth of our incredible community and the impact of our cutting-edge research.

Research Highlights

Our researchers aim to combine academic rigour with industry knowledge to make a positive contribution to society. Our Research Highlights embody these contributions and provide an example overview of our research activity.

Improving policy and practice regarding anti-Muslim hatred

Professor Imran Awan’s extensive research into anti-Muslim hatred has allowed him to pave the way for a tougher, more informed stance on Islamophobia.

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Creating a new national park for the west midlands

Landscape architecture academics at Birmingham City University have partnered with a number of organisations to establish a national park for the West Midlands that provides multiple benefits to the city, the landscape and its inhabitants.

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Revealing the impact of Muslim soldiers in World War One

Dr Islam Issa has raised awareness and understanding around the contribution of Muslim soldiers fighting for the allies during WWI.

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Research impact

Research Highlights

Our research projects aim to solve real-world issues. Find out more about our research projects and BCU's specialisms.

Research Highlights

Our REF submission

Our submission to REF2021 aims to demonstrate the strength of our practice-based research specialisms, as well as our community of experienced researchers. Learn more about our submission.

More about REF

Previous REF results

Learn more about our 2014 REF submission.

REF2014

Researching Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has led to serious consequences on a global scale and BCU researchers are investigating its range of impacts across the University's four faculties.