Research impact

Our researchers address some of the complex challenges facing the world today. We work with experts from other fields – and communities themselves - to help achieve real improvements on the ground.

Some of our projects have also contributed to national policy changes. The research reflects our core values as a University and our commitment to transforming people, the places where they live and wider society. 

Examples of our case studies include:

  • Tackling environmental inequality by showing that people who live in deprived areas disproportionately experience poor air quality and are at greater risk of their homes being flooded. Professor Jon Fairburn has worked with government agencies and the World Health Organisation to bring about real change.
  • Transforming Stoke-on-Trent’s disused Portland Inn into a community space and social enterprise, testing the role of culture and creativity in driving community-led change. Associate Professor and artist Anna Francis has also been supporting residents to create a 100-year plan for their area.
  • Little is known about the fate of millions of people persecuted by the Nazis or what happened to their remains. Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls has shed light on this through her research, using forensic archaeological methods to identify, study and protect Holocaust sites.

Latest news


An older woman exercising with resistance bands

Free places available on Parkinson’s exercise programmes

More places are now available on two popular exercise programmes designed to help people living with Parkinson’s in Staffordshire

Students from University of Staffordshire and Keele University at Westminster

Students take anti-racism manifesto to Westminster

Students from University of Staffordshire and Keele University visited Westminster to present an anti-racism manifesto to Members of Parliament

Meg Bowyer_David Webb_Simran Cheema web

University develops VR app to tackle violence against women and girls

A new app developed by University of Staffordshire and TKO Consulting uses virtual reality to raise awareness of violence against women and girls

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021