Ranked 10th in the Russell Group for Grade Point Average (Source: REF 2021)
Our Research

Our unbound approach to research lets us reimagine and rethink the established. In all our research, we are transforming lives across the globe and changing how the world works.
Our research challenge themes
Guiding our focus and drawing across our vast expertise and resources, our five research challenge themes showcase our pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Thriving Planet
Our research is improving air quality and access to clean water, and advancing the clean technologies needed to ensure a sustainable future.
Life-Changing Technologies
We are driving innovation with industrial and manufacturing partners, advancing technology and accelerating impact on human progress.
Connecting Cultures
Our research promotes and connects diverse cultures, fosters social inclusion, shared ownership, and a sense of belonging.
Global Health
We are improving the health of people across the world through new discoveries, treatments, and patient pathways.
Fairer World
Our research is driving meaningful change to tackle inequalities that permeate society.
- 10th
- 92%
Of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Source: REF 2021)
Research portal
Search our researchResearch institutes and centres
Explore our research excellencePartner with us
Discover how we can work togetherResearch environment
Discover our collaborative culturePostgraduate research
We offer a wide range of world-leading research opportunities to choose from.
Find out how to apply
125th Anniversary Fellows and Chairs
We welcome the latest cohort of researchers joining us as 125th Anniversary Fellows and Chairs. Discover who will be driving our ambitions to become a global top 50 university.
Meet our researchers
Latest research news
New funding for groundbreaking gut microbiome study to fight bowel cancer and bowel disease
Published yesterday
Dr Richard Horniblow receives funding from Bowel Research UK to explore the potential of faecal microbiota transplants as a remedy for gut dysbiosis
Smartphone bans alone fail to equip children for healthy use of technology
Published yesterday
International team argues for helping children to develop skills to participate in digital society while protecting from harm
Birmingham professor to bring expertise to government’s National Youth Strategy
Published 26 March 2025
Professor Joht Singh Chandan is one of 14 specialists joining the Strategy’s Expert Advisory Group.
Bladder cancer link with explosive ordnance exposure among Army veteran bomb disposal officers
Published 24 March 2025
Survey suggests bladder cancer incidence around five times higher for veterans under 70 compared to the general public