Research at Lancaster

The quality, reach and significance of research produced in Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é's vibrant research environment is world-leading.

A staff member uses an X-ray diffraction machine in Chemistry.
Logo for the Research Excellence Framework 2021

REF 2021

The UK Government's Research Excellence Framework (REF) confirms Lancaster as a home of world-leading research.

REF 2021 rated 99% of Lancaster's overall research environment as 4* 'world leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent'. This includes support and training of research students, research integrity, equality and diversity, as well as facilities available to support research.

REF 2021 results

Find Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é research

Our research directory allows you to search for specific people or publications or find a list of our research groups.

Two people in a laboratory in the Engineering Building.

Sustainability across Lancaster's research

Academics and researchers from across Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é are working to address the climate emergency in diverse ways.

Faculties and Departments

See the full list of Lancaster's faculties, departments, institutes and research centres.

¡®This is Lancaster¡¯ - a podcast series.

Here at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, we bring people together to deliver solutions to complex problems, both in our region and around the world.

At the heart of Lancaster's research endeavour, our experts are working in partnership with others to make a difference. In this series of interviews, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é researchers share the stories, setbacks and discoveries behind the headlines and provide an in-depth look at some of the truly life-changing work taking place in our University.

This is Lancaster Podcast
A researcher in a lab holding and pointing toward a petri dish containing samples.
Professor Muhammad Munir

Interdisciplinary research

A major strength of Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is its thriving ecosystem of interdisciplinary research. This collaborative approach is fostered by bringing together experts from different disciplines to address regional, national and global challenges.

Interdisciplinary research
An academic gestures whilst discussing their subject in the Management School

Support for Researchers

Providing support and development opportunities for researchers is a key part of Lancaster's research strategy:

Research services

Lancaster’s Research Services team provides support for all aspects of externally-funded research activities.

Our experts help academic staff to:

  • Identify funding opportunities
  • Develop applications
  • Cost proposals
  • Deal with post-award administration

The team also provides University-wide support for research governance and ethics, REF, research contracts and research information and systems.

Research Services

Researcher development

The development of our researchers is central to the success of Lancaster's 2020 strategy.

As part of our People Strategy, we are fully committed to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and have an action plan in place to support its implementation.

Lancaster's demonstrated commitment to the Concordat has received European recognition in the form of the HR Excellence in Research award. First awarded to the institution in 2011. The award was retained in 2013, 2016 and 2023.

Researcher Development

Engagement support

Lancaster's Engagement Learning and Development Portal has been developed to help encourage engagement activity.

Aimed at researchers and other staff with a responsibility in this area, the portal has toolkits, digital guides, videos and case studies on topics including:

  • How to run events
  • Working with the media, businesses, the public and communities
  • Communicating research findings
  • Influencing and negotiating
  • Engaging with policymakers
  • How engagement can help further your career

Engagement Learning and Development Portal

Research stories

Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é research stories from the past few weeks: