Research in Health, Wellbeing and Education

Our research creates impact in the arenas of Health, Wellbeing and Education through work with communities of practice such as nursing, midwifery, social work, the allied health professions and teaching.

We promote health and wellbeing and effective teaching and learning through our extensive research in sport and exercise, biomechanics and biomedical science, and psychology, and our work in the area of education supports access and inclusive pedagogic practice.

Research centres

Our interdisciplinary approach to research means you will find research in the field of Health, Wellbeing and Education in a range of different centres across our University.

Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions

Bringing together internationally-recognised academics with a commitment to applied impactful research that engages with policy and practice. Analysing inequalities, employment and welfare; innovation and leadership; and regional economic development, regeneration and foundational economies.

Centre for Health and Development (CHAD)

We are an inter-disciplinary, university-wide centre focused on the science and application of health and health equity research. Our purpose is to undertake translational, applied research to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population and help reduce social and health inequalities.

Research Centre for Health Innovation (R-CHI)

We are an interdisciplinary centre conducting local, national and international research on health service delivery and research for patient benefit. We are arranged around four interlinked thematic areas: workforce, Human Factors/Ergonomics, clinical/operational research and simulation.

Our researchers

Dr Jim Pugh

Director - Inst. Of Ed. - Assoc Prof.

I am proud to be the Director of the Institute of Education leading an innovative group of professionals, educators, researchers and working with our creative and exciting students, partners and community.

Jim's profile

Robert Needham

Senior Lecturer

Robert's research background is in the areas of sport and clinical biomechanics. The focus of his research is on the application of non-linear data analysis techniques to quantify movement coordination and coordination variability. Robert's rese…

Robert's profile

Professor Gillian Forrester

Professor Of Education Policy

I lead the Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD), which is a vibrant research degree programme for professional educators. I supervise doctoral students (PhD and EdD) and I am involved in several externally funded research projects.

Gillian's profile

Latest research - health, wellbeing and education news


A Playmobil figure sat at a desk holding flames and wearing a jester's hat

“It just makes you feel less alone”: Using the power of play to break menopause taboos in the workplace

Health psychologists from University of Staffordshire have adopted a novel approach to support women going through the menopause

An image of people drinking from champagne flutes

New study calls for rethink on alcohol policy

Policymakers and drinkers are speaking different languages when it comes to alcohol consumption, according to new research

Ian Davies MBE, pictured receiving his Biomedical Scientist of the Year Award in 2023

University of Staffordshire academic awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours

A University of Staffordshire academic has been recognised in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours for his 'outstanding contributions'.

The Research, Innovation and Impact Services team can provide information about all aspects of research at our University.

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