Our research environment

Our research environment | School of Healthcare | University of Leeds

95% of our research is rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality

— Research Excellence Framework 2021


We undertake research that positively impacts on health and social care policy, education and practice. We're also committed to involving patients and the public throughout our research. 

As a researcher within the School of Healthcare, you'll thrive within a supportive environment. As the School is part of the wider Faculty of Medicine and Health, you'll study as part of the Faculty Graduate School. Through our dedicated research support team, we'll support you to deliver and disseminate world-leading research - ensuring you'll be the best that you can be in your chosen field.

We provide academic mentorship for all staff in addition to an active early career researcher forum. Our ongoing programme of events is also an important part of our vibrant community and offers you the opportunity to develop your skills with others.

Your role in research

As one of our postgraduate researchers, you are a vital part of our research environment and an important member of our research themes and groups. Depending on the focus of your research, you'll be assigned to a relevant research group. This will enable you to engage with other researchers whilst contributing to the wider academic community across the school.

Your experience will consist of research training and leading research, supported by a community of postgraduate students and world-leading researchers. This is one of the many reasons why the 2021 Research Excellence Framework judged 95% of our of research as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality.

Support and mentorship for your research degree

Our internal academic mentorship scheme offers support and advice on career development, writing publications, developing grant applications, leadership, and networking. Our Director of Postgraduate Research Studies is Dr Netalie Schloim. Should you want a mentor, you'll be matched with senior academics who can help you to achieve your personal work-related goals.

We also take part in the University of Leeds’ wider staff mentorship scheme. This is useful for individuals wanting to draw on the perspective of staff outside the School. The University’s Staff and Departmental Development Unit offers guidance around mentoring, including how to train as a mentor. We also support our staff to take part in mentorship schemes offered by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal Society, and NIHR.

Our Faculty research environment

In addition to our School research environment, we contribute to and benefit from being a part of the wider Faculty of Medicine and Health research environment. This includes the Leeds Doctoral College with access to various seminar programmes and events, such as the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences research seminar programme.

How we support your research

We understand that leading research demands high quality support. Our research is supported by a range of School and Faculty professionals who help us deliver projects and programmes efficiently and effectively. We have invested and recruited research talent to ensure a vibrant community with clear career progression, opportunities, sustainability and a supportive interdisciplinary and collaborative place to work for our postgraduate researchers.

Dedicated research support includes:

  1. Helping develop and apply for competitive research grants
  2. Planning costs
  3. Managing and delivering research projects
  4. Delivering research outputs with impact. 

Life in Leeds

Leeds is an exciting modern city and an ideal place to live as well as to study. With our dedicated postgraduate accommodation options and a range of societies on campus that are exclusively for our postgraduate students, you can be sure of a welcoming and engaging all round experience during your time with us.

Find out more about living in Leeds


Our research support team

Discover our experienced team of leading academics and dedicated support staff:

Director of Research and Innovation: Professor Karen Spilsbury

Deputy Director Research and Innovation: Dr Alison Rodriguez

Business Manager: Angie O'Keefe