Our research
If you choose to study at QMU , you will be part of an academic community that is involved in addressing real-world issues through research and knowledge exchange . Not only that , our research activity will help ensure that your learning takes account of the latest thinking , allowing you to hit the ground running when you enter the workforce or go on to further study .
Importantly , a high proportion of our staff are research active . This means that our students often learn directly from academics who are involved in research projects .
Our research impacts directly on quality of life : it builds the evidence for change and development in policy and practice . This means that we have a real influence on the bodies that have the power to improve and transform lives and which are major employers of graduates — government , businesses , healthcare providers , third sector organisations , non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) and cultural organisations .
In 2014 , The UK ’ s national audit of research in higher education , the Research Excellence Framework ( REF 2014 ), showed that over 58 % of our research is world leading or internationally excellent . Amongst the highlights was our success in Speech and Language Sciences , in which the proportion of research classed as internationally excellent or world leading is 92 %. At the time the results were published , Times Higher Education singled us out as a ‘ notable riser ’ in terms of REF performance .
Some examples of our research and knowledge exchange work :
• Our global health researchers have been looking at how creating child-friendly spaces in countries affected by conflict can keep children safe , and how refugees coming to Scotland can integrate better into society . This type of work helps shape policies of government and NGOs on child education and protection , and on refugee integration .
• Our nursing staff are involved in research in osteoporosis that is helping to educate frontline healthcare workers in the moving and handling of patients in hospital .
• Our speech and language experts are developing technologies to help improve the speech communication of children with Down ’ s Syndrome .
• Our film and media lecturers are continually developing and researching different techniques and styles of filming . Some of them are award-winning filmmakers who have had significant success with showcasing their films on the international film festival circuit . They have been able to share their new filming techniques with students , as well as advising them on the process of getting films selected for screening at film festivals all over the world .
• We have a strong track record in building relationships with businesses , particularly small and medium-sized local businesses , as well as large national organisations , which helps us develop research which can help business development in the UK . Our work with small businesses has also led to a number of internship opportunities for students . We also work with international partners including NGOs and academics at universities abroad , to develop collaborative research with a global reach .
• Academics at QMU were awarded £ 92,242 in research funding from the Scottish Government as part of its rapid coronavirus response . QMU ’ s research projects investigate the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on loneliness among asylum seekers and refugees , and look at ways of supporting recovery from illness experienced in isolation due to a pandemic .
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