Nottingham Trent University launches new Strategic Research Themes

The Strategic Research Themes celebrate areas of strength and focus for the university, represent the breadth and scope of the institution’s research and the positive ways that NTU is making a difference.

They highlight our interdisciplinary research strengths, increase the amount and quality of the university’s research, and encourage strong partnerships.

The themes are:

Digital, Technology and Creativity. The creative industries generate £108 billion a year and employ over 2.3 million people across the country. The sector is constantly evolving and has grown 1.5 times faster than the wider economy over the past decade. This theme brings together NTU’s strengths in AI and the creative technologies, sensing and imaging to help shape the future of creative expression and immersive experiences.

Health Innovation. NTU researchers are leading pioneering projects transforming patient and community care outcomes across the globe through engagement with health and life sciences. Aligning individual research centres will accelerate understanding and creation of novel solutions dedicated to shaping health outcomes. Health Innovation combines research from molecular, cellular environmental, psychological and social sciences to showcase university's contribution to promoting healthy living and successful ageing.

Safety and Sustainability. This theme reflects our research that is at the intersection of environmental sustainability, economics and civic security, with the aim of creating a greener, more secure future for all. NTU researchers are pioneering ways to reduce crime in public spaces, enhance safety in prisons, and advocate for victims' rights in the criminal justice system. The university is also developing advanced cybersecurity and AI tools to protect vulnerable users from online threats, ensuring safe digital navigation for all ages. In addition, NTU researchers are promoting sustainable business practices and the circular economy by designing durable products that minimise resource use and recapture waste.

Professor Richard Emes, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and International, said: “I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the research community at NTU, our three new Strategic Research Themes. Between them, they represent our key strengths in research and innovation globally.

By combining ideas from across our research communities, the themes will help the university enhance its reputation, increase engagement, appeal to prospective students, and ensure our work drives positive change in both local and international communities.”

Find out more about the new research themes here.