About Our Research
Bangor University’s pioneering and impact-driven research is tackling some of the biggest questions facing the world today.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, published in 2022, recognises that 85% of Bangor University’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. We are also ranked in the Top 30 in the UK for research impact, demonstrating the real-world contribution of our research.
With a research and innovation vision to be a global centre of excellence in sustainability, the University takes a distinctive and holistic approach to sustainability that resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales).
As a research-intensive institution we prioritise investment in interdisciplinary research that has existing or emerging scale, is aligned with sustainability, and addresses challenging global questions. This translates into inspirational research-led teaching reflecting the role of universities in creating new knowledge.
Our research focuses on three key themes: Energy and the environment; Health, wellbeing and behaviour; and Language, culture and society.
Research Spotlight
See More-
3 July 2025Bangor University awarded prestigious AHRC Doctoral Focal Awards
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3 July 2025New research unravels the diversity and function of bacteria living inside wild fruit flies
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9 April 2025Research reveals major gaps in tidal knowledge that frequently lead to a risk to life for coastal visitors
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7 April 2025Robotic medication machine trialled in Dolgellau
Research Institutes
Showcasing the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 measures research quality across UK universities.
Underpinned by a focus on sustainability, Bangor University’s research delivers social, cultural, environmental, health and wellbeing benefits, working with a range of partners to deliver impact and innovation.
The REF 2021, published in 2022, recognises that more than 85% of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent.
The REF is jointly conducted by the four UK higher education funding bodies: the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland. They use the REF to inform allocation of £2 billion of research funding each year.
Bangor University’s impact case studies can be viewed here:
REF 2021 Impact Case Studies
Arts, Humanities and Business Emotional AI: Governance, Ethics and Society
Bangor University’s research on ‘Emotional Artificial Intelligence’ (eAI) has revealed a pressing and global need to consider ethical dimensions of developing technologies that gauge and interact with affective and emotional states.
Environmental Sciences and Engineering Reducing the costs of conservation in low and middle income countries
Bangor-led research has demonstrated the negative social impacts that conservation can have for some of the poorest people in the world.
Human Sciences Positive impact of visual arts interventions in dementia care
Bangor-led research demonstrated how arts interventions improved the quality of life of people affected by dementia.
View all REF 2021 Impact Case Studies on our Research Themes pages
View all REF 2021 Impact Case Studies on our Research Themes pages
Join us in The Conversation
Our researchers publish across a wide range of subjects and topics, covering news platforms including The Conversation.
Postgraduate Research
Our cutting-edge research breathes freshness into our ever-changing curriculum and helps advance our collective understanding of the world around us.
Research, Innovation and Impact
Find out how the Research, Innovation and Impact Office provide an integrated research support service for all Bangor University researchers and are building sustainable relationships with local, regional and national business partners.
Work with Us
The Collaboration Hub is the University’s portal for businesses and other external organisations looking to access the expertise, facilities and skills at the University.