We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

Research and social impact

All the research that we undertake, and the work that we do to generate new knowledge, is designed to have a social impact, helping improve people’s lives and the environment. Delivering social impact through research is a key part of our strategic plan Transforming Lives + Inspiring Change and is integrated with the Changemaker Challenges.

The Changemaker Challenges include making a positive difference to Northamptonshire in the key areas of:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Education
• Culture, Heritage and the Environment
• Enterprise and Innovation

We are working with local partners to deliver these four Challenges as we strive to improve Northamptonshire.

Research integrity

The University has a Research Integrity Policy and Action Plan that commit us to continually reviewing and developing our culture of integrity and developing our researchers – from undergraduate students to professorial staff. The Policy and Action Plan ensure the University’s compliance with the Concordat to Support Research Integrity. The Policy and Action Plan are reviewed annually by the Research and Enterprise Committee.

In line with the Concordat, an Annual Statement on research integrity is submitted to the university’s Board of Governors.

Research Ethics

The Research Ethics Committee monitors and informs the Research and Enterprise Committee, as appropriate, on national and international developments in research ethics.  It is also responsible for the consideration and ethical review of postgraduate research degree projects, as well as research and consultancy projects referred to it by Faculties and Departments. Faculty and Department Ethics Committees oversee and approve staff projects, taught postgraduate and undergraduate research projects.

The terms of reference for these committees are contained in the Research Ethics Code and Procedures. The Code and Procedures promote the highest standards of ethical practice in research. The Code and Procedures provide guidance and outline default expectations regarding key aspects of research ethics. The Code and Procedures apply to all researchers at the University of Northampton, all research conducted under the auspices of the University, and all research conducted by collaboratively managed researchers at the University’s partner organisations

Staff and postgraduate research students apply for ethical approval through our online research management system, Gateway. Staff responsible for research by taught postgraduate and undergraduate students (e.g. for undergraduate or taught postgraduate dissertations) shall establish course, module or programme-level procedures for ethical review, as appropriate, in line with the principles outlined in the Code and Procedures. Approval for changes or additions to approved proposals can be sought at any time after the initial approval.