It starts in Salford
At the University of Salford, we find solutions to the really hard to solve problems facing the world around us.
From our unique position at the heart of the community, we empower those around us to transform the everyday lives of people in Salford and beyond.
We work with our partners to improve healthcare, help people with their energy bills, make the world sound better, boost the economy and influence policy.
A place where ideas are formed that shape the world
Take a walk in Celeste’s shoes to see all the ways our research impacts moments in your daily life.
Helping you save money on heating
Our Energy House labs are accelerating the progress towards low carbon and net zero housing design. We are committed to helping people to reduce their energy bills, through the development of new technology such as heat pumps and Thermocil, advising Government on ways to boost energy efficiency and providing consumers with simple and low-cost advice to reduce their heating bills and environmental impact, such as reducing boiler flow temperature and the impact of blinds and curtains.
Making buildings sound better, more sustainable and energy efficient
We have been making the world sound better for over six decades through our acoustics expertise. Our Energy House is accelerating progress towards net zero housing design and our experts are improving sustainability in the built environment.
Safer sounds for electric vehicles
Our experts in acoustics are dedicated to making the world sound safer for people, collaborating with key partners to develop safer sounds for electric vehicles - such as the development of a universal sound alert for electric scooters and working with Travis Perkins to develop a sound alert for forklift trucks.
Supporting families to take care of pets
We conduct collaborative research with partners such as the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to support families to take care of their canine friends.
Our research has offerred advice for owners in the run up to bonfire night and we have also released research that reveals if dogs like being cuddled.
Greater independence for people with prosthetic limbs
Our research in prosthetics aims to develop cutting edge prosthetic devices that are suitable to individual needs, using the latest technology in sensing devices and artificial intelligence.
We are one of the UK's leading academic centres of Prosthetics and Orthotics excellence and our internationally acclaimed prosthetics and orthotics department also hosts the £6 million UK EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training.
Making the world sound better for people with hearing impairments
Hearing differences impact at least 1.4 billion people globally. Through collaborations with partners such as the BBC and other commercial organisations, we support people with hearing loss to continue to do the things they love, such as watching television or singing in a choir.
Our aural diversity research brings together a unique group of researchers with the aim of exploring what the world might sound like if we allow that everyone hears differently.
Improving access to ethical finance
The economic landscape and subsequent cost of living crisis is having a disproportionate impact on lower-income households and regions. Community Finance Solutions (CFS) is Salford's independent research and development unit specialising in financial inclusion and community finance. Our mission is to promote access to ethical financial services for businesses and households by developing, piloting and researching cost-effective solutions for policy-makers practitioners and funders.
Improving footwear for children and the standing workforce
Our expertise in biomechanics helps us to empower partners and business to develop footwear products with demonstrable benefits, including footwear that allows chefs, surgeons, nurses, vets and other professionals to work in comfort while standing up for long periods. Our collaborative research with Clarks has increased the understanding of children's feet and growth rate, leading to evidence-based product development for children aged 0 to 12.
Tackling infection control and prevention
We are preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for better infection control and prevention. AMR is where bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics over time and with excessive use.
To fight AMR, the university has created SARN, the ‘Salford Antibiotic Resistance Network'. SARN, which boasts a network of researchers across all scientific disciplines and aims to help end AMR.
Making AI and the online world safer and more understood
Our research investigates the ethical, legal, social and cultural questions concerning technological change. We are focused on making AI more understood, inclusive and safer for business and communities. Our Centre for Research on Inclusive Society is establishing a Digital Society Research Group and we also have experts developing knowledge about online dating in the UK.
Supporting businesses to adopt sustainable solutions
By empowering businesses with cutting-edge digital transformation, expert change management, and sustainable consultancy, we not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute meaningfully to the community and environment around us. Our Centre for Sustainable Innovation was established to foster sustainable growth for business.
Influencing policy changes to support veterans to access the benefits system
Through our research, we influence policy changes to support veterans to access the benefits system. Our benefits assessments and veterans report highlights the key challenges of the benefits assessments process, as well as reporting on good practice and how we can address inconsistent veteran experiences.
Ensuring everyone's history, culture and experiences are recognised in education
We are generating educational, social and cultural benefits for 16 to 18-year-old learners and their teachers across the UK by supporting changed content and methods of teaching of the English Literature A-Level.
Enabling sustainability in cities through urban farming
Bringing together partners from local government, universities, NGOs and business, we promote the use of innovative, nature-based solutions across Greater Manchester and beyond to respond to the risks posed by climate change. Our team of natural environment experts develop living walls, green roofs, urban farms and other green infrastructure to create urban spaces for people to enjoy.
New therapies and guidance to support people experiencing mental health challenges
Our researchers work in partnership with the NHS, other healthcare providers and organisations on a range of collaborative partnerships to support people experiencing mental health challenges. We are shaping NHS provision for children experiencing acute mental health challenges, developing new creative therapy models for depression and improving mental health through green space.
Improving injury rehabilitation from grassroots to elite
Our research addresses a series of important global health challenges that limit mobility, are associated with pain, and can prevent people from living independently. We have a strong focus on sport and exercise, encompassing research related to strength and conditioning, sports biomechanics and sport injury.
Using robots to improve construction safety
Serving as a hub for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to design, test and validate innovation in a rapidly growing area, our North of England Robotics Innovation Centrre (NERIC) offers companies a one-stop shop for developing and applying robotics and automation alongside other innovative digital technologies in their business.
Our researchers are transforming lives
At the heart of our University is an exceptional community of researchers who play a pivotal role in shaping the University’s reputation as a hub for transformative knowledge.
Our research themes
Our research shapes a world where productivity thrives, communities flourish creatively and innovatively, environments are sustainable, and living healthily is a shared aspiration.