Research, Impact & Policy

Bringing minds together
Group of male researchers enjoying a conversation after a research seminar with a black B superimposed - The Bridge concept image for research. impact and policy
Amplifying impactful, interdisciplinary SHAPE research to transform places and tackle global challenges.
The Bridge empowers researchers from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business to maximise their impact and influence policy. Our dedicated team provides specialist professional services, supporting interdisciplinary SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy) research driven by a commitment to Placemaking – understanding and transforming the places and spaces we inhabit. 
Supporting our research environment
We provide a range of professional services support to help researchers amplify the impact of their work, including: 
  • Identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals 
  • Showcasing projects and facilitating KE and knowledge mobilisation 
  • Connecting researchers with communities, businesses, and partner organisations 
  • Providing guidance on research impact, policy engagement and commercialisation 
Visit our internal site to explore the resources available and view upcoming events.  
Mobilising knowledge for impact 
Our research not only advances academic understanding but also catalyses real-world change, driving innovation and shaping policies that respond to societal needs. We support researchers in translating their discoveries and insights into actionable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. By leveraging the power of SHAPE research, The Bridge proactively engages with policymakers and community leaders, ensuring our research resonates on both local and global stages, influences key discussions, and contributes to important international dialogues.
Discover more about how our research is transforming lives and making a significant real-world impact in our impact brochure. 

Our research is organised under five priority themes

Map of Plymouth with flags indication places and colourful string used to connect flags. Concept for place, community and creativity research (full-bleed hero size)
Place, community and creativity
Health, community and wellbeing research concept: person in wheelchair overlooking a sandy beach and the sea, three children holding hands in the distance.
Health, community and wellbeing
South West Innovation Expo
Heritage, culture and digital innovation
UK in a changing world research concept: image of the UK on top of computer graphics
UK in a changing world
Group of people protesting for an environmental cause.
Environment and sustainability
 

SHAPE disciplines address global challenges associated with marine, health and sustainability through the lens of place

Through five place-based research themes, we investigate the intricate relationships between communities, the natural world, and technology.
 
Locally, we co-create sustainable solutions to complex problems in order to build resilient and thriving neighbourhoods, cities, and regions. This work transcends geographical, social and political boundaries to become applicable on a global level.
Place-based research concept: crowd of people standing on a computer motherboard.
SHAPE – Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy 
 
Highlight

Impact Acceleration Account Award

In 2022, the University of Plymouth was awarded a £450,000 Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), for impact related projects in the arts and humanities.  
Running for three years from April 2022 – March 2025, the primary purpose of the IAA funding is to accelerate the non-academic impact of research within the AHRC remit. Through this award and funding, we aim to establish, develop and accelerate impact from existing, high quality published research.  
Sana Murrani using laptop
 

SHAPE Commercialisation 

The Bridge helps researchers to harness the limitless potential and creative energy of the SHAPE disciplines to transform research into innovative ventures that deliver sustainable impact. Through engagement with platforms like Aspect and collaborating with internal teams, we're building a robust pipeline of commercialisation projects, and equipping our researchers and collaborators with comprehensive tools and resources, like a SHAPE commercialisation toolkit, to amplify their impact and reach.
Find out more about our SHAPE commercialisation toolkit, and discover how our initiatives are making a difference in various industries and communities by visiting our portfolio of projects (new pages coming soon).
Cobbauge - creating the two components of the cob building material - Invenite issue 6
 

Our partners

Partnership working is at the core of everything we do. We are proud to work with:

The Bridge 

Connecting people, ideas and opportunities  
Providing integrated support for Research, Experiential Education, Knowledge Exchange and Civic and Cultural engagement in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. 
The Bridge is a dynamic force for positive change, advancing knowledge and understanding through collaboration, creativity, and innovation. We create inclusive spaces where everyone can engage with art, culture, and cutting-edge research, inspiring people to learn, connect, and shape a brighter future. 
 
The Bridge concept – a teal, pink and orange abstract image with a B superimposed over the top in black