Research Impact

For more than 150 years, UC academics have created widespread impact throughout society with ground-breaking research, local and global collaborations, and an extensive footprint from training the next generation. Through engagement with communities, government, and industry, academics ensure their research is translated, disseminated, and mobilised to create positive change in the world.

Research impact refers to the positive changes to society resulting from research. This can include changes to:

Government policy and legislation
Policies and practices in industry and services
Development of new products and businesses
Social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits to community

UC’s research impact is evidenced by its strong rankings, including its place in the top 80 universities globally on the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for its work to address the Sustainable Development Goals. UC researchers readily provide evidence to inform policy debates and are widely cited in policy documents nationally and internationally. They consult with industry and communities to ensure evidence-based practices are available and guide community and practice development. They work to ensure that research is used and applied to improve the health, well-being and sustainability of Aotearoa’s people and environment.

Read more about how researchers are making an impact in the stories below.

Canterbury researchers funded to tackle child health challenges

University of Canterbury researchers are leading innovative studies to research and improve child health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

New building system aims to make Kiwi homes ‘safe as houses’ in a quake

A new, affordable building system to make New Zealand homes much safer in an earthquake, avoiding costly repairs and stressful insurance claims, is being tested at the University of Canterbury.

Creating carbon-negative ‘green’ hydrogen to fuel our world

University of Canterbury engineering researchers are developing a carbon-neutral – even carbon-negative – way to create clean ‘green’ hydrogen to power our world more sustainably.

UC electrode research paving the way for cheaper renewable energy storage

Research into the electrodes used in flow batteries at the University of Canterbury (UC) has the potential to help create cheaper, longer-life batteries for more renewable energy storage.

NZ study finds airborne microplastics directly impact climate change

Aotearoa New Zealand scientists recently found that microplastics – which are in our rivers, oceans, and land – are also in the air we breathe. Now local scientists have discovered airborne microplastic pollution is likely to directly affect climate change.

New Pacific-NZ partnership to research climate crisis action

The University of Canterbury and University of the South Pacific, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, are partnering on a unique research project to help Pacific countries and the global community understand how climate change will impact the Pacific, and how indigenous knowledge can help Pacific communities to adapt.