Our research and knowledge transfer strategy

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group and a top UK research university known throughout the world for its research excellence and impact.

Exeter is recognised as:

• One of the best places in the UK to be a researcher and research student with scholarship of the highest level.
• A world-class research environment.
• A stimulating collaborative and interdisciplinary atmosphere with no internal boundaries supported by a growing science and medicine base.
• A vibrant centre for new ideas actively helping to resolve the great challenges of the 21st century, working closely with user communities and organisations around the world.

Research investment

We are creating a world-class research environment for researchers and research students through an investment in science of £230million, around £55million in research staff and equipment, more than £100million in capital investment and infrastructure, plus £75million in University earned income.

Research staff

We are growing research capacity towards 1,000 research active staff by sustaining our excellent humanities and social sciences and strengthening our science, engineering, and medicine base to 400.

Research quality

We aim for scholarship of the highest level and to be a vibrant centre for new ideas. We are increasing the proportion of our research that is recognised as world-class - aiming to have at least 25 per cent rated as world-leading (four star).

Research students

We will grow our total research student population to 2,000 by 2015, enhance graduate student experience and improve four-year completion rates for PhDs.

Research with impact

We encourage positive engagement and knowledge transfer with users of research in industry, government and the third sector. By 2015 40 per cent of our research income will come from knowledge transfer sources.

Research partnerships

We are building reputation and impact through deep and enduring strategic alliances and international collaborations. By 2015 we will have built at least ten strategic partnerships.

Research sustainability

We are securing financial sustainability by growing annual research income to more than £60million by 2015, with 45 per cent from research councils.

Research management

We are enhancing interdisciplinary research through formation of Colleges, allowing greater autonomy of research management.