Research

For more than a century, our research has driven transformation – improving health, shaping society, strengthening businesses and improving the environment. Research and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is simple but powerful: to be a life-changing university.

We focus on local, national, and international challenges. We align our research to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from developing new medicines and healthcare solutions to tackling social inequality and supporting local regeneration. Our researchers work alongside communities, businesses, and policymakers to ensure our work has a meaningful impact. Whether it’s helping to close health gaps, supporting creative industries, or advancing green technologies, we design our research to make a difference.

As we look to the future, we’re committed to growing our global reach, expanding our research excellence, and continuing to lead in areas that matter most: health, education, technology, and social inclusion. At Sunderland, research isn’t just about discovery, it’s about transformation.

Our research impact

Our research activity is translational, reaching far beyond our campus and creating impact regionally, nationally, and internationally. We're committed to investing in our staff and the research environment to facilitate outputs that address global challenges and change society for the better.

Research impact

Research Institutes

Teamwork and collaboration are the foundations of our Research Institutes, underpinned by inspiring leaders and exceptional support. Together, they create a vibrant research environment that nurtures ideas, encourages research development, and enables lasting partnerships and external engagement.

Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute The Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute

Two nursing students in the mock hospital ward comparing notes they are holding

A group of students sitting around a table talking

Dr Michael Gamlen with Dr Adrian Moore next to a Gamlen tablet press machine

Three computer science students sitting together working on a laptop

Research degrees at the Graduate School

Our Graduate School is the foundation of our research community. It's here to provide you with guidance and support as you embark on your journey of discovery.

A research degree at Sunderland is much more than an academic milestone. It provides a unique opportunity to generate new knowledge and make a lasting impact on the world. Whatever your background, you'll join a community that values your ideas and celebrates your aspirations.

Graduate School

Two students sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying a soft drink and laughing

Our research culture

The research culture at Sunderland aligns with our University values. Our interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration between specialisms and strengthens our relationships with industry. We celebrate diverse viewpoints and provide our researchers with the confidence to push the boundaries of knowledge through their innovative research areas. Our governance and integrity ensures excellence throughout all research activities. This leads to high-quality academic research that makes a true contribution to knowledge and society – and inspires the next generation of researchers.

Research culture

Research governance support

We're committed to undertaking our research to the highest level of integrity and ethical responsibility. The University Research Office provides a supportive environment for researchers to meet this commitment.

Research governance and integrity Research support

An anatomy professor demonstrating something on the Anatomage table

A student working at a desktop computer, concentrating hard on their work

Two students working at desktop computers and chatting

3D and resin printers in the Additive Manufacturing Lab

Use our facilities

Discover flexible, modern office spaces available to hire at our two Sunderland campuses. Our business centres offer managed facilities, ideal for startups and growing companies looking to connect, innovate, and thrive in a vibrant university environment.

Our facilities

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a dynamic three-way partnership between a university, a business, and a graduate that benefits everyone involved. They enable companies to access specialist resources, funding, and the expertise they need to solve an innovative strategic problem. Our KTP scheme is a world-leading programme to support business innovation. We have extensive expertise across a broad range of specialisms and a track record of helping businesses innovate for growth.

KTPs