Research management and strategy

Professor Wendy Wills, leads University research. She is Chair of the University Research Committee, and has overall responsibility for the delivery of research degrees in the institution.

The University Research Committee advises and make recommendations to the Academic Board on all matters relating to research in the University, taking due cognisance of the responsibilities of the Research Degrees Board, which approves the regulations for the award of all research degrees of the University of Hertfordshire, other than higher doctorate degrees, and the Academic Development Committee which is responsible to the Academic Board for the Development of the University's undergraduate and taught postgraduate provision and for its research degrees portfolio.

Our strong research environment is underpinned by six research themes that enable multi-disciplinary teams to undertake high quality research that benefits society and the economy. The themes are food, global economy, health and wellbeing, heritage, cultures and communities, information and security, and space. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, the University rose from 83rd to 62nd place in the rankings and we are in the top 25% of universities for research impact. More than three-quarters of our research is considered world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). We continually invest in our staff and research students to enable them to collaborate effectively, including with a range of external partners. Enterprise and innovation are at the heart of our approach to research and we collectively work towards addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)