Research strategy

Research lies at the heart of a university’s life and its contribution to society.

Our research is important because it:

  • Contributes to the development of intellectual and social capital, generating economic, cultural, social, public policy and quality of life benefits and impacts
  • Enhances our reputation as an international centre of knowledge and expertise
  • Provides a basis for collaboration with other organisations in the UK and internationally across the public, voluntary and private sectors
  • Attracts high-quality staff and students from all over the world
  • Shapes the content of all curricula
  • Enhances the student experience, helping to produce skilled, intellectually adept and employable graduates
  • Informs the professional development of all staff.

As the first University to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for its research strategy, research at GCU addresses the Goals via three societal challenges: Inclusive societies, Healthy lives, and Sustainable environments. Each is underpinned by the University-approved research centres and a set of less formal and fluid research groups. The SDGs and the associated societal challenges were identified following consideration of the University's mission "For the Common Weal", consistency with the University's Outcome Agreement with the Scottish Funding Council, and the requirements of the funders of local, national and international research.

As can be found in these webpages, the COVID-19 pandemic and its broader social and economic implications have only reinforced our commitment to the SDGs as a framework for our institutional Research Strategy

Research online

Glasgow Caledonian University is addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via three societal challenges of Inclusive societies; Healthy lives and Sus

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Research Integrity

Find out about the importance of research to life at Glasgow Caledonian University and our commitment to using it for the Common Good.

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