Our research

A vibrant, intellectually challenging research culture

Birkbeck is one of the
world's leading research universities

Graduate Research School

Research Centres

Research centres and institutes

See Birkbeck’s specialist research centres which work across faculties and schools to encourage collaboration and multidisciplinary thinking.

Academic research networks, groups and societies

Academics and researchers at Birkbeck work together via a wide range of networks, groups and societies.

Research office

The Research Office offers support to current and prospective Birkbeck research-active staff at all levels and stages of their career.

Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS)

The Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) provides support and training to Birkbeck's vibrant community of MPhil/PhD researchers.

Birkbeck Institutional Research Online (BIROn)

Explore the breadth of research at Birkbeck by browsing our free, open access online depository.

Find an expert/supervisor

As a research-intensive university, Birkbeck houses a vibrant community of academics with enquiring minds. Search our staff profiles for an expert or for an MPhil/PhD supervisor.

Research Features

Discover the range of research being undertaken at Birkbeck.

Read about the latest research at Birkbeck

Research strategy

Research is central to Birkbeck’s mission and our Research Strategy articulates the principles and methods that guide all of our research activities.

Impact strategy

Birkbeck promotes research that makes a positive difference to society, whether it be offering commentaries on events or exploring the science underlying health and environmental problems.

Early career research fellowships

We are committed to supporting early career research fellowships (ECR and other) and we will consider eligible PhD, postdoctoral and early career researchers, affiliated with Birkbeck or otherwise.

Research integrity

Discover more about the professional standards, ethical principles and codes of practice we expect our researchers to adhere to.

MPhil/PhD research

Birkbeck has a large, vibrant community of MPhil/PhD researchers. Find out about our lively research culture, our world-leading academics and the areas of supervision we offer.

Research events

Come along to one of our many free events and hear our academics and researchers speak about their work.

REF 2021 results

83% of all Birkbeck's research was rated ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

REF 2021 Code of Practice

View Birkbeck's Code of Practice, which enabled the College to submit to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

REF 2021 Impact Case Studies

Read more about the significance of Birkbeck research with these REF 2021 Impact Case Studies.

Public engagement

Birkbeck is an open, outward-facing and socially engaged university. Find out how we disseminate our researchers’ knowledge, expertise and discoveries.

A day in the life of a Birkbeck scientist

Dr Emma Meaburn gives an insight into a day in the life of a scientist in Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences.

Find out more about the School of Psychological Sciences

News

A football field, showing the lines and goal net.

The use and abuse of financial regulation in professional team sports: the case of parachute payments in the English Football Championship

A paper has been published by the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre that tests the impact of parachute payments and abuse on sporting performance.

News

A gallery space with people wandering around in it, looking at the art works and text.

New exhibition about historic battleground explores the ecological legacy of war

The exhibition launched on Friday 4 April and will be on display until mid-May, as part of a significant international research project.

News

Driving change: how Birkbeck's environment and sustainability research stands out

The Birkbeck Research Centre for Environment and Sustainability (BRCES) was established to foster interdisciplinary research and partnerships addressing environmental challenges. This Q&A with the co-directors highlights the centre’s vision, approach and ambitions.

View more news

Events calendar

The Co-Production of Health Research ECR Network Reading Group

12 February 2025, 18:00 to
10 December 2025, 21:00

Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street
Book your place

Events calendar

Connect & Co-create: Learn from Birkbeck Research Centres

28 February 2025, 12:00 to
24 April 2026, 13:00

Online
Book your place

Events calendar

Postgrad Dissertations Workshop Series: Preparation and Planning

24 April 2025
13:00 — 14:30

Online
Book your place

View all events

Research

What if Cameron’s austerity had been “harder and faster”?

Dr Sue Konzelmann from the Department of Management assesses the potential impact deeper cuts would have had on the UK in the wake of the Recession.

Comment

Public-private partnerships

Dr Jasmine Gideon argues that Public-Private Partnerships in the health sector need to be reviewed through a gender lens in order to establish whether they really are beneficial.

Comment

The Seasons in Quincy UK release

The Seasons in Quincy, the first feature-length documentary to be produced by the Derek Jarman Lab, Birkbeck’s audiovisual hub, has been released in the UK and Ireland.