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 picture of Professor Matthew Longo, sitting at his desk with a book.

Birkbeck professor explores the hidden science behind human dexterity in new book

The brain’s crucial role in the unique capabilities of the human hand will be investigated in a new book by Professor Matthew Longo.

News

Latest edition of BBK magazine out now

Birkbeck has published the newest edition of BBK, its annual alumni and supporter magazine. Sent to our alumni community, the magazine provides updates on university news, student successes and cutting-edge research.

News

An empty street during COVID-19 lockdown

Repeated lockdowns had a lasting impact on mental health, study finds

England's repeated COVID-19 related lockdowns had a substantial impact on the population's mental health, with effects likely persisting long after restrictions were eased.

View more news

Events calendar

Library skills: Beyond your reading list: finding journal articles for your essays and assignments

22 January 2025, 13:00 to
3 April 2025, 13:30

Online
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

'WHAT IS LIBERAL FASCISM': A two-day masterclass with Slavoj Zizek

1 April 2025, 14:00 to
2 April 2025, 16:00

Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street
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.