Research
At the University of Salford, we take pride in our ability to blend real-world experience with cutting-edge research; a combination that propels us forward as unstoppable innovators committed to achieving meaningful impact.
Through collaborative partnerships, we ensure that our research not only meets the highest academic standards but also translates into practical solutions that benefit society on a local and global scale.
Our mission remains true to our founding principles; transforming lives, stimulating discovery, and realising potential. At the University of Salford, we find solutions to the really hard to solve problems facing the world around us.
Research for Sustainability
Our research revolves around four themes. These themes are not just focal points; they are pathways to a future where knowledge is a catalyst for positive change. By strategically aligning our research endeavours with these themes, we are dedicated to shaping a more prosperous world where productivity thrives, communities flourish creatively and resiliently, environments are sustainable, and living healthily is a shared aspiration.
As a signatory to the SDG Accord, we are committed to contributing to all the UN Sustainable Development Goals through our research.
Our living laboratory
We aim to ‘practice what we preach’ by using our campus as a Living Laboratory.
We are already partners in a multi-million pound European contract for a project to develop 'green' resilience to extreme climate hazards. Through the IGNITION project backed by £4 million from the EU’s Urban Innovation Actions initiative, the University of Salford hosts a ‘living laboratory’ for urban green infrastructure including roofs, walls and gardens. The project is led by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and supported by 11 partners, including the Environment Agency, and comes in response to increasing flooding, heat hazards and worsening air quality.
Student-led projects
We encourage all University of Salford students to integrate sustainability into their degree. One of the easiest ways to do so is through your dissertation or other projects. Each year the Sustainability Team support dissertations and research projects by students across a whole range of disciplines.
The Sustainability Office has a variety of live briefs, real life sustainability challenges and potential research projects for students and we are happy to support you in developing your own sustainability research ideas.
The Sustainability Office also encourages students to establish and lead sustainability projects outside of their studies and can often support with funding.
Once you have discussed with your academic supervisor or module leader, please contact sustainability@salford.ac.uk if you would like to talk through your project idea.
If you have completed a sustainability-themed dissertation or research project and would like to share your findings with us please send them to sustainability@salford.ac.uk
Sustainability of research
Committed to delivering excellent research with impact, the University of Salford holds itself to the highest standards of research integrity through honesty, transparency and rigour.
As a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, we share the ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
We recognise the need to change how we conduct research and innovation as well as promote wider solutions and agree to take shared action now and in the future to reduce and eliminate our own negative environmental impacts and emissions and achieve the transition to sustainable practices.
Leadership and systemic change
Our Sustainability Strategy and Delivery Plans include commitment to increase the environmental sustainability of all research and innovation practice.
Sustainable infrastructure
Our Net Zero Carbon plan and Sustainable Construction Framework ensures that our infrastructure is developed in an environmentally sustainable way.
Our ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certified Environmental and Energy Management System supports operational environmental sustainability. We offer guidance and support to research colleagues through the Green Impact and LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) programmes. University of Salford currently has two labs with LEAF Bronze (Environmental Lab and Megalab Teaching Lab) and are working to have all labs at the University running as sustainably as possible. Our labs which have attained Bronze are already looking at actions they can take that are required for Silver and Gold LEAF accreditation.
Sustainable procurement
Our Responsible Procurement plan ensures procurement decisions are influenced to prioritise more environmentally sustainable options and apply principles such as the circular economy.
Business and academic travel
Our Sustainable Travel Plan is under development, however, we advocate for reducing travel required for research and innovation activities to reduce carbon emissions while considering inclusivity and being mindful of the needs of those travelling.
We support the provision of virtual or hybrid conferences, events and meetings using sustainable systems.
Collaborations and partnerships
We will actively seek opportunities for collaboration and partnerships within and external to the university. An example is LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework). Developed by UCL, this is a framework to enhance the efficiency of labs and facilitates sharing of best practice resulting in more sustainable practices.
Environmental impact and reporting data
We report publicly our annual carbon emissions data and progress on environmental sustainability.