About our research

We are proud of our research pedigree that spans more than a century.

During that time, we have made notable contributions through basic and applied research to a wide range of social, economic, cultural and professional fields.

Today, our research and enterprise activities are more exciting and diverse than ever; we are passionate about the vital role that research has to play in exploring and disseminating new ideas.

City's Research Excellence

City's research focuses on excellence, creativity, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our outlook is truly global: we work to international levels of research excellence and cultivate a network of international research partnerships.

Our academic staff engage with their subjects through high quality research and enterprise and use the up-to-date knowledge and enthusiasm generated by their research to enrich their students' learning experience.

REF 2014

The December 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) results were exceptionally important for City. In less than three years the institution made a greater improvement in research quality, per Funding Council research pound, than any other UK university.

This leap has moved City to a position where 40% of academics are now producing research that is world-leading or internationally excellent, up from 20% in 2010.

The impact of City’s research is felt around the world. 75% of City’s submission to the Research Excellence Framework in 2014 was rated as being of world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) quality. Our place in the University of London federation allows us to connect with a wide network of research-intensive universities and international research bodies extending our reach and impact. Many academics at City are active practitioners, therefore we bring to the federation a commercial, pragmatic and industry-focused approach to both research and education.

Turning ideas into reality

Ground-breaking research takes place within City's Schools and Departments, in our specialist Research Centres and in our strategic Interdisciplinary Centres.

Read about more of our innovative research and enterprise projects and browse sections above including our spotlight on research category, highlighting current research undertaken by academics at City, University of London.