Research and Global Impact

Research is at the core of the University’s ethos. As citizens of change, the University’s researchers are dedicated to exploring some of today’s most critical issues, from viruses and disease to air quality, preserving our natural world, and ensuring social justice for all.

The University of Leicester’s research focuses on five key areas:  

• Space Power and AI – Building on their rich history of space research – having discovered the first blackhole in the universe and sent more instruments into space on live missions than any other university – this research area focuses on uncovering the mysteries of the universe, and how space technology and data improve our health and daily lives 
• Human Health – This area is focused on improving the treatment and quality of life of patients both locally and globally 
• Sustaining the World – Through exploring environmental health, climate change and sustainability, researchers aim to help us all better understand how we can address the climate emergency 
• Cultural and Natural Heritage – From arts and culture to discovering dinosaurs, or literary greats and life-changing global events, this research area focuses on what has shaped our society 
• Social Justice and Inclusion – This research focus seeks a better understanding of societal issues to help promote equality, community cohesion, justice, and inclusion across the globe 

The University of Leicester is a top 30 UK research-intensive university and research impacts the daily lives of people all over the world. Here are just a few examples:  

• With £40 million of funding secured annually, the University is a world-leader in the research of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer  
• It was the first institution to raise the alarm about a disproportionate rate of COVID-19 deaths among ethnic minorities 
• Leicester is one of the top ten UK universities for COVID-19 research 
• The University’s citations per publication rank 9th in the UK and 59th in the world (THE World University Rankings 2021) 
• Researchers are constantly forging new areas of discovery, including the Anthropocene – our current geological period in which human activity is impacting the planet