Our research impact
This short video showcases some of our Faculty of Humanities & Social Science research submitted for the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences: REF 2021
Explore our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 submissions. The vast majority were classified as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Our REF 2021 highlights
Much of the research from across our six departments was classified as 4* or 3* in REF 2021, meaning it is ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’. REF is the UK’s system for assessing higher education research.
Our REF 2021 stories
Find out how our research is positively impacting physical and mental health, economic wellbeing, climate change, education and political policy around the world.
Psychology
Our research has improved safety, justice and mental wellbeing.
‘Prescribed’ smartphone app offers hope to young people who self-harm
New research suggests that the BlueIce app developed by Professor Paul Stallard could have a significant impact in reducing self-harm in young people.
Improving access to justice for autistic people
Through our research we have improved the experiences and treatment of autistic people when they encounter the Criminal Justice System.
Improving care for patients with tinnitus through mindfulness
Our research has shown that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is an effective new treatment for debilitating tinnitus.
Improving the safety of bicyclists
Our research into driver behaviour near bicyclists has saved lives, reduced injuries, and benefited the economy of Australia.
Enabling children with chronic pain to live full lives
Children with pain are better able to live full lives because of the research conducted by our Centre for Pain Research.
Economics
Our research has furthered our understanding of various key economic issues, such as the minimum wage, climate change and pollution.
Promoting the use of economic valuations of environmental damage
Our research has helped to develop and apply methods for deriving an economic valuation of the effects of environmental damage on human health.
Informing global policy and decision making around climate change
Drawing upon our research, global organisations have been able to make decisions on climate change, for the future.
Influencing increases to the National Minimum Wage in the UK
Our research has contributed to multiple revisions of the National Minimum Wage, resulting in over 1 million people experiencing a pay increase.
Strengthening national vehicle pollution policy and standards
Our research into the costs of air pollution has led to the UK’s Clean Van Commitment and an extension of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone.
Politics
Our research has informed policy changes and challenged how we think about the past.
Changing how museums approach the memorialisation of conflict
Our researchers have developed new theories that question our thinking of conflict. We’ve collaborated with museums to improve exhibits for war and violence.
Improving the response to technological, biological, and chemical threats
Our research has examined emerging biochemical security threats.
Shaping understanding of the feasibility of Universal Basic Income
Research from Bath has helped shape understanding of the political and financial feasibility of Universal Basic Income among policymakers and the public.
Social work and social policy
Our research has improved health and helped people out of extreme poverty.
Funeral costs, affordability and public provision
Research from the University of Bath has shaped policy linked to the affordability and subsequent support available for UK funerals.
Improving living wages
Research from the University of Bath has informed policy change, directly impacting the living standards and social welfare of employees.
The introduction of a Minimum Excise Tax (MET) on Cigarettes
Research at Bath has been fundamental in the introduction of a MET on cigarettes and subsequently reducing sales of cigarette brands popular with key groups.
Eradicating extreme poverty in Bangladesh
Over 1 million people have increased access to livelihood support, enabling them to move out of extreme poverty as a direct result of our research.
Education
We have improved access for disabled people, improved practice of school governors and assisted UN member states in monitoring Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhancing policy and improving practice in school governing in England
Our research has contributed to significant improvements in school governing policy and practice over the last 12 years.
Developing inclusive practice in cultural settings
Bath has contributed to research that aims to improve access and learning in cultural learning environments, for socially disadvantaged disabled people.
Influencing the improvement and use of ILSAs in education
Research from Bath has influenced the way International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSAs) are used to assess and monitor UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Sport
Our research has improved safety, health and fitness, as well as helping players reach their potential.
Reducing injuries in youth and adult rugby union
Our researchers have developed Activate; the first rugby-specific injury prevention exercise programme now used by rugby teams around the world.
Improving the assessment, monitoring and consideration of growth and maturation in young athletes
In the search for tomorrow's champions, developing late can mean young athletes are overlooked. Our research helps young players reach their true potential.
Reducing injuries in rugby union through global changes to make the scrum safer
Our researchers have developed the 'Crouch, Bind, Set' technique, making the rugby scrum safer for millions of players around the world.
Enhancing the Health & Fitness of the UK Fire and Rescue Services
Through our research, we have developed and implemented a set of recommendations to change the way in which firefighter's fitness is measured and assessed.