Research in the College of Health, Science and Society

The College of Health, Science and Society (CHSS) brings together experts from Applied Sciences; Education and Childhood; Health and Social Wellbeing; and Social Sciences.

The College has a vibrant research culture organised primarily through research centres, groups and institutes.

Research centres

Centre for Appearance Research

The Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) is the world's largest research group focusing on the role of appearance and body image in people's lives.

Centre for Biomedical Research

Incorporating world-class research in the fields of human health and disease, biosensors and diagnostics, and workforce and practice development in biomedicine.

Centre for Health and Clinical Research

Bringing together researchers working in the fields of long-term conditions, palliative and supportive care, and emergency care, to inform knowledge mobilisation across the lifespan.

Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing

Connecting experts from mental health sciences; children and young people; emergency and critical care; public health and wellbeing; health, ethics and society and evaluative research.

Science Communication Unit

The Science Communication Unit (SCU) is internationally renowned for its diverse and innovative activities, designed to engage the public with science.

Research groups

Education and Childhood Research Group

Research within ECRG encompasses four established and emerging research theme strands.

Psychological Sciences Research Group

The Psychological Sciences Research Group conducts applied research that has a positive influence on people and places; at home, in the workplace, and in the wider social environment.

Social Science Research Group

The Social Science Research Group is a multidisciplinary, applied research grouping that is dedicated to facilitate a better understanding of the complex social world that we live in.

Institutes and more

Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology

Industry and academia working together to develop novel bio-sensing technologies.

Social Science in the City

Social Science in the City is a free public engagement event addresses important questions about how we might live and work in today's society.

Research links and collaboration

Many projects are undertaken in collaboration with end-users to focus on meeting the needs of a sustainable economy and society, and we have leadership roles in several major regional, national and international initiatives.

Our collaborators include health trusts, local, national and international communities, local councils, government departments and private companies - ranging from start-ups to multinationals, patients and their carers, museums and schools.

A key collaboration is Bristol Health Partners, of which we are a member along with the University of Bristol, Bristol City Council and six NHS organisations serving the area.

The Journal of Psycho-Social Studies is an established international e-journal, edited by Dr Elizabeth Frost. Discover scholarly articles, new ideas and book reviews in the field of Psycho-Social Studies.

Research ethics and governance

We have a Research Ethics Committee that is committed to promoting high ethical standards in the conduct of research undertaken by our staff and students.

Research development

The extent of research development in the College was underlined by the results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework when it led UWE Bristol submissions in:

  • Allied Health Professions and Nursing (79% of the submissions deemed world-leading or internationally excellent).
  • Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Science (63% world-leading or internationally excellent).
  • Politics and International Studies (34% world-leading or internationally excellent).
  • Social Work and Social Policy (46% world-leading or internationally excellent).
  • Philosophy (43% world-leading or internationally excellent).

Our research is funded by a wide range of organisations including the UK Research and Innovation, European Commission and the National Health Service.

Professor Olena Doran
Associate Dean, Research

Research by school