University of Bradford secured more than £57m for R&I funding
The University of Bradford has secured more than £57m in research and innovation funding in the last five years, according to new figures.
That includes over £8m for the year from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026, funding life-changing research into new cancer treatments, AI-powered healthcare, nanotechnology and novel materials.
The funding, awarded by organisations including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), charities and industry partners, will support projects addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges while helping develop technologies and treatments for the future.
Professor Sherif El Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement, said: “Research is most powerful when it improves lives. These investments are supporting work that tackles some of society’s biggest challenges, from children’s health and cancer to artificial intelligence, transport and healthcare.
“What is particularly pleasing is the breadth of expertise being recognised, which feeds into our commitment to economic regeneration and upskilling the workforce. These projects demonstrate how research at the University of Bradford is creating new knowledge, supporting innovation and delivering impact locally, nationally and internationally.”
Research and innovation projects funded included:
Children’s health and wellbeing
More than £1.4m has been awarded to evaluate the long-term impact of the University’s Creating Active Schools programme (now been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award) in Bradford primary schools, helping tackle inequalities in physical activity and improve children’s health and wellbeing. The programme was recently shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award.
Glaucoma and sight loss
A project led by researchers in the School of Optometry and Vision Science secured almost £890,000 from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to develop new methods for detecting retinal damage caused by glaucoma at an earlier stage, potentially helping prevent avoidable sight loss.
AI improving healthcare
Researchers have secured more than £216,000 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for OrQA-UK, an AI-enabled organ assessment tool designed to improve the use of donated organs and help more patients receive life-saving transplants.
New treatments for cancer
Several projects have attracted funding to support the development of next-generation cancer therapies, including research into antibody-drug conjugates for breast cancer and new approaches to prostate cancer treatment and screening. Awards include £188,039 from Neuroblastoma UK to evaluate new treatments for brain cancer, £185,167 from Worldwide Cancer Research to look at next generation of antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, and £12,450 from Animal Free Research UK to explore the use of humanised prostate cancer models.
Mental health research
The University secured more than £1.1 million through an NIHR Mental Health Research Leader Award, supporting research aimed at improving understanding of mental health and strengthening future research capacity in the field.
AI and financial wellbeing
A new £12,000 partnership with Yorkshire Building Society will support development of the Money and Mind Index, led by Dr Kamran Mahroof, exploring the relationship between financial wellbeing, decision-making and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
Precision medicine and microneedles
Researchers have secured £6,900 from Gore Medical to develop a multi-organ micro physiological system for drug testing; with additional funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to develop microneedles for use in the treatment of brain tumours.
Childcare reform
Researchers secured almost £98,083 the Nuffield Foundation to investigate the impact of England’s childcare reforms, including how changes to childcare provision affect families’ choices, costs and opportunities.
Children’s health and pregnancy loss
Researchers secured £16,050 funding from the NIHR to develop a racially inclusive peer-support programme for women experiencing psychological distress following early pregnancy loss. The project aims to improve support for women who are often overlooked by existing services and ensure care is more inclusive and accessible.