Our approach

Research and innovation

Our Sustainability Strategy 2020-26 has four goals, the second relating to research at ARU. We will increase our research output related to sustainability both in quality and volume, to ensure we are recognised for our world-leading innovation and impact as part of a new University-wide Sustainable Futures Research and Innovation Theme.

In 2020, ARU academics published 103 unique papers linked to sustainability, working with co-authors from around the world. We also made a submission to the Research Excellence Framework, which included a number of case studies outlining the impact of our research. We mapped our impact case studies to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

What we're doing

By 2026 we will:

  • be visible and world leading in our research and innovation engagement through key partnerships and compacts working together on key sustainability challenges
  • launch a dedicated and visible route through the ARU website into the sustainability research and innovation community including a commitment to championing open source access to our research publications and data
  • continue to invest in building a strategic focus through a University-wide sustainability research theme
  • have a confirmed process for screening potential research funders and innovation partners against our sustainability commitment.

Progress to date

We have launched a cross-University research theme to support our expanding research in this space and publish an annual report on our University's activities as they relate to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Anglia Ruskin University and the Sustainable Development Goals: Annual Report 2023

Working Towards the Sustainable Development Goals: Annual Report 2022

Find out more about the Sustainable Futures research theme.

Concordat for Environmental Sustainability

Recognising that how we conduct our research is equally as important as the outputs of the research itself, ARU became a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.

The Concordat has been co-developed by the UK research and innovation sector. It represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Many funding bodies now require applicants to be signatories to the Concordat.

The Concordat aims to:

  • Have visible and credible leadership for environmental sustainability at all levels within institutions.
  • Ensure research and innovation are carried out in an environmentally sustainable way.
  • Establish new ways of working.
  • Ensure net zero or near net zero infrastructure is being used to deliver research and innovation.
  • Support robust decision making in resourcing, circular economy principles and life cycling costings through supply chains.
  • Promote a shift to greater use of reusable products.

View the Vice Chancellor's commitment letter.