Research for the real world
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Research for the real world
Research across our Schools and institutes
UEL delivers research that is socially relevant and focused on real-world impact. Our schools and institutes work across disciplines to address global challenges — from urban sustainability and cyber security to social justice and community health.
Explore our research strengths below.
Architecture, Computing and Engineering
The School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) specialises in:
- Urban sustainability
- Cyber security
- Big data studies
- Ecological and environmental protection
We support strong collaboration across architecture, computing, engineering and geo-information centres. Our researchers also work with other UEL schools and international partners.
Childhood and Social Care
The School of Childhood and Social Care focuses on education and social development in East London, across the UK and internationally.
Our research areas include:
- Early childhood
- Language and diversity
- Teacher education
- Race and community
- Learning and teaching
- Comparative education
- Professional education and social work
- Cognition and neuroscience
- Developmental psychology
- Drugs and addictive behaviours
- Health promotion and behaviour
- Psychology and social change
- Psychology of education
Health, Sport and Bioscience
Research in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience (HSB) is organised into specialist groups:
- Human Motor Performance Group (HMPG)
- Medicines Research Group (MRG)
- Infection and Immunity Research Group (IIRG)
- Centre for Disabilities, Sport and Health (CDSH)
These groups focus on improving health, performance and medical outcomes.
Royal Docks School of Business and Law
Research in the Royal Docks School of Business and Law spans behavioural and analytical fields.
In business, we examine:
- Global markets
- Small business entrepreneurship, including research in Nigeria
In law, our strengths include:
- Criminology
- Justice and terrorism
- Law and conflict
- Financial law and regulation
- Human rights law and discrimination
- Globalisation and development
Institute for Connected Communities
The Institute for Connected Communities (ICC) works with some of London’s most disadvantaged communities to improve health and wellbeing. UEL is also one of the main social work training providers in London.
Current research themes include:
- Relational approaches to people at risk of self-harm or suicide
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Social work and education
- Transformation of welfare in the UK
Research FAQs
What research areas does UEL specialise in?
Research at UEL spans:
- Urban sustainability, cyber security and big data
- Ecological and environmental protection
- Education, childhood and social care
- Health, sport and bioscience
- Business, entrepreneurship and global markets
- Law, justice and human rights
- Community wellbeing and social work
Our Schools and institutes work across disciplines to address social, environmental and economic challenges.
Which Schools and institutes lead research at UEL?
Research is led by:
- School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
- School of Childhood and Social Care
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law
Each School has specialist research groups and centres.
Can I study for a research degree in these areas?
Yes. UEL offers research degree opportunities aligned with our specialist themes across all schools. You can explore PhD and research programmes through the relevant School.
Does UEL work with communities and external partners?
Yes. Our researchers collaborate with:
- Local communities in East London
- National and international partners
- Industry and professional organisations
For example, the Institute for Connected Communities works with disadvantaged communities to improve health and well-being outcomes.