Research at the School of Geography and Planning
The School of Geography and Planning is one of the UK’s leading centres for research in the areas of human geography, planning, urban design and spatial analysis.
We have a diverse portfolio of research covering economic, social, political and cultural change and the built and natural environments.
Our research engages with many pressing societal challenges, including post-Covid recovery, building circular economies, Net Zero and climate change adaptation, sustainable urban transport, better planning, addressing political polarisation, innovation-driven growth and economic resilience.
Research in the school has a distinctive multi-scalar quality, spanning participatory work with communities in Cardiff, investigations at city and regional scale, and research in a host of international locations. Our staff carry out research across Europe, in the USA, Canada, Australia, India, China, Malaysia, Japan, South Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Achieving impact
We have a strong track record of positive research impact, for informing policy development, stimulating public debate and developing innovative practice.
In recent years, our research has played a prominent role in helping the United Nations to understand key urban trends, developing toolkits to reduce the impacts of major sporting events, creating the first global policy framework for sustainable urban food, shaping legislation on homelessness and influencing new approaches to regional economic development.
Our reputation for providing robust, high-quality research for evidence-based policymaking across the world has drawn in project funding from the EU, national bodies, government departments and other organisations.
Celebrated for excellence
Cardiff University is recognised as one of the UK’s major research universities and a member of the Russell Group, the UK’s leading 24 research-intensive universities. As a School, we are consistently recognised for our national and international significance of our research.
REF assesses the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The impact of our research and environment in which we work at Cardiff University were integral to our REF 2021 submission.
