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 and Innovation Strategy
Our 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy aims to outline a bold vision: to be a life-changing university that transforms lives through applied, ambitious, and inclusive research.
We recognise all contributions, from lab breakthroughs to community engagement. We believe that research culture is everyone’s responsibility and that a thriving culture leads to better research, stronger partnerships, and greater impact.
Our approach is guided by our institutional values:
- Inspiring
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Excellent
These principles shape how we work together and how we engage with the world.
We’ve been actively listening to our research community and testing new ideas to improve how we work together. These insights help us shape a research culture that’s fair, inspiring, and fit for the future, where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Our people
From research students to support staff, everyone across the University can make a positive contribution to our research culture.
Our community is about more than just a physical space, it's about a sense of belonging. Our commitment to being ‘life changing’ is echoed through feedback from our current research students:
“Being a member of the University of Sunderland graduate community is a rewarding and transformative experience. It's a collaborative environment in which diverse viewpoints come together, promoting intellectual growth. Support from peers and lecturers fosters a dynamic environment for discussion and exploration, making it easier to overcome difficult research challenges. Furthermore, networking opportunities in this community promote professional development, mentorship, and lifelong friendships."
Flora Samosir, PhD student
"The support from staff has been exceptional, always willing to provide help and guidance. There have also been multiple opportunities for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and training. Being part of the postgraduate community at Sunderland has been a great experience".
Mia Holley, PhD student (School of Medicine)
“As a part-time PhD student, the postgraduate community is an invaluable support network, helping me focus on my PhD while employed as a full-time academic. Academic sessions, such as writing retreats and conferences are complemented by socials such as ‘Wednesday lunch’ where meeting and chatting with friends and fellow PhD students has made me feel much more confident about my abilities, and more importantly, enjoy being a PhD student. “
Neal Lennox, PhD student and Senior Lecturer in Business and Finance
Research staff
Our research has an international reputation, attracting high-quality staff and research students. Learn more about our research-active staff.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything we do as a University. We celebrate diversity and believe everyone in our community should be treated fairly and without prejudice, and we implement practices that go beyond compliance with legislation.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion