Research funding for academics

Research excellence is at the heart of University of Staffordshire with an ambition to grow as a leading UK modern university for research.

Our staff work on a variety of research funding applications. We provide support in training, identifying funding opportunities and collaborations as well as data management and ethics support.

Research funding for academics

University of Staffordshire is increasingly successful in securing external funding. Our Research Environment and Development team help our academics access a range of funding opportunities to support research activity.

Working with colleagues across the University, we bring together interdisciplinary groups of researchers with common interests. We promote funding opportunities, oversee all grant applications, provide bid writing support and manage the internal approvals and peer review system.

For internal support on research funding, please contact the Research Services team at researchservices@staffs.ac.uk.

Collaboration 

Great research is built on collaborations. We work with other universities, businesses and organisations to develop our research. Our Research Environment and Development team can support external partners to build relationships with our academics and apply for research funding.

Find out which academics are working in your field by searching our research database on STORE Eprints or by contacting Research Services at researchservices@staffs.ac.uk.

Funded research collaborations

We’ve been successful in obtaining funding for a range of research projects. Here are some of our recent collaborations:

Low-cost in-shoe pressure measurement

Lead researcher – Associate Professor Panagiotis Chatzistergos from the School of Life Sciences and Education and a member of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies
Collaborator – Cadscan (lead), Gyrobot, Recreus industries, Plymouth University and JB Medical
Funder – Innovate UK

The project is a feasibility project to generate a novel measurement system for assessing the loading applied on feet at risk of developing an ulcer during activities of daily living.

Imprints are 3D printed custom orthotics designed to prevent diabetic foot ulceration. They do this by reducing the peak foot pressures that can cause foot ulcers to develop. The fully integrated solution comprises a 3D foot scanner, automated design software and a 3D orthotics printer.

To find out more, view our presentation via Microsoft Sway

Sustaining country brand equity: improving Brazil’s strength in international markets

Lead researcher – Dr Vish Maheshwari from Staffordshire Business School
Collaborator – Dr Janaina Giraldi, University of Sao Paulo
Funder – Newton

We aim to assess the value of Brazil’s brand or country brand equity (CBE) by employing a refined scale of CBE through a sample survey of European and UK consumers (brand users) as well as interviews and focus groups with stakeholders (brand creators).

Being able to measure and enhance CBE creates a unified image, promoting a brand that successfully engages with global businesses and stakeholders for sustainable economic development.

To find out more, view our presentation via Microsoft Sway

 Consultancy

Our academics have a history of supporting businesses to address research questions on a consultancy basis. Our expertise is driving innovation for sustainable and cost saving solutions.

Holistic spatial asset investment planning service

Collaborator – Amey Lg Limited, Sheffield
Funder – Innovate UK

This collaborative work aims to reduce the public impact of street works and minimise costs for the local authority. A smart data platform will plan works for efficiencies of scale and multiple functions. This will make joint works the norm and not the exception.

The micro turbine renewable energy combustor (MiTREC)

University of Staffordshire lead – Dr Hamidreza Gohari Darabkhani
Collaborator – Bladon Jets Ltd, Cranfield University
Funder – Innovate UK

We are building on our expertise in micro turbine technology in the development of an innovative biogas fuelled micro-combustor that could generate clean, affordable energy for countries across the globe.

Centralised power generation in power plants produces a lot of carbon pollution and energy is lost through transmission. Mini generators, which can be used at home, improve efficiency by roughly 20% and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

Learn more about MiTREC:

 

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021