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Research themes

We are a globally connected university with research collaborations from across the planet and multinational research staff and students.

We give as much priority to high quality research as we give to high quality teaching. Currently we have over 500 researchers working in our 16 challenge-led interdisciplinary research centres representing niches where Coventry University can be dominant.

Research students are central to the research mission at Coventry University. We have created a Doctoral College to provide centralised research training and to deliver a comprehensive (PhD to Professor) programme of training for our research students and staff.

Research centres

Research opportunities

Innovate Magazine

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Clean Growth and Future Mobility

The pressures of climate change, population growth and an aging society require urgent solutions but also present opportunities to build economic and sustainable growth while providing a secure and inclusive society. We will address these challenges by performing fundamental and applied research in the areas of manufacturing and materials; e-mobility and clean growth; and future transport and cities. We will work closely with industry, national and international partners and key government stakeholders to develop solutions, deliver impact and input to policy and regulation.

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Creative Cultures

The insights, values and perspectives provided by the human sciences, especially the arts and humanities, lie at the heart of sustaining the highest quality of life for people and communities and are key in understanding how to tackle contemporary, societal challenges. Our research demonstrates the critical importance of understanding and analysing past and present cultural and creative activity by bringing together, connecting, and advancing globally leading, transdisciplinary work.

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Data Science and Emerging Technologies

Whether using theoretical models or through close engagement with industry and society, we gain understanding from data. Our research focuses on modern day problems, such as, climate change and social inequality, through rigorous application and development of a rich portfolio of modelling and data analysis techniques. Our scientific innovations deliver step changing solutions for real-life, complex problems in industry, society, and nature.

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Global Education

Our research focuses on establishing a deeper understanding of the factors surrounding access and participation in formal and informal education. Drawing on education’s provenance in history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology, we take an interdisciplinary approach to provide education related solutions to real-world societal challenges. We passionately believe that through research, the local and global landscapes of education policy and practice can be changed to shift mind-sets, reduce inequalities, and create a high-quality educational experience for all.

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Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing at Coventry University aims to transform global health through education and innovative research with sustainable impact. We are committed to improving health and social outcomes and reducing inequalities across the life-course in local and global communities we serve, through transformational learning experiences and world-class research from ‘bench to bedside’ and ‘concept to community’.

Peace and Security

Our research will focus on many of the significant and impactful challenges faced by society. Drawing on a strong track record of research in areas of peace and security, we will seek to develop new knowledge related to international development, migration, and peaceful relations. We pursue new evidence and insights for tackling sexual and gender-based violence, national security issues, religious discrimination, organised crime, and gang violence. The impact of our research is focused on enhancing the security, safety, and resilience of communities worldwide.

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Responsible Business, Economies and Society

Business, economies and societies are in constant evolution. Our research will focus on addressing issues in creating a more sustainable future, maximising the benefits of big data and the digital economy, and exploring the socio-political-legal dynamics of financial crime for institutions. We will explore socially inclusive workplaces and societies to address debt by assisting people to manage their personal finances more responsibly. We will investigate key public policy issues, focusing on generating growth during global economic uncertainty.

Sustainability, Equity and Resilience

New knowledge, policies, and technologies are needed to develop more just and ecologically sustainable societies in the context of accelerating rapid biodiversity loss, increasing inequities and market volatility. Taking a transdisciplinary and participatory approach, our research will combine and mobilise different knowledge systems – from the natural and social sciences to the knowledge of indigenous people and citizens. We will enable inclusive community and socio-ecological resilience to increasingly rapid and unpredictable change, including climate change, new pandemics, and economic exclusion.