RESEARCH WITH IMPACT
OUR RESEARCH RANKINGS
REF2021 In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), an impressive 93% of WBS research outputs and all of our nine submitted impact cases were rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, with Times Higher Education ranking us fifth for research in the country. These results reflect our commitment to producing research with real world influence - shaping government policy, informing organisational strategy, engaging
Research Insights Ranking 2025 The Financial Times analysed research from more than 16,000 business schools across the globe to find out what is actually read by non-academics, used by governments, or reaching the public in the media. A list of the world’s top 50 was then compiled. Only four schools from the UK were included in the ranking, including WBS. Additionally, in the sub-category for business schools’ impact on government policy, WBS placed 22nd in the world and third in the UK. QS rankings: Thought leadership Our QS ranking positions for thought leadership include:
We produce cutting-edge, practice- engaged research that shapes debate and advances the understanding of business and management. Our faculty collaborate closely with policymakers, public bodies, practitioners and the wider public, ensuring our insights influence thinking at regional, national and global levels. We champion business as a force for good, and our supportive, collaborative culture provides the environment for meaningful impact to thrive. Each of our academic subject groups is supported by Research Environment Leads who nurture vibrant research communities, complemented by Distinguished Research Environment Professors who share their expertise and networks across the School.
Transforming consumer financial wellbeing Professor Neil Stewart’s research has transformed consumer financial wellbeing, informing Financial Conduct Authority measures that help millions escape persistent debt and save up to £1.3 billion annually. Recognised as a runner‑up in the ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, this work demonstrates the power of behavioural insights to drive regulatory change and deliver real‑world impact. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/neilstewart
Bringing jobs and prosperity to the UK Professor Nigel Driffield’s research contributed to the Greater Birmingham Region attracting record levels of inward investment and underpinned a successful bid for £1 billion of growth funds for Birmingham. He also helped to develop Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s reset strategy post Covid-19. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/nigeldriffield
Using cultural heritage as a competitive advantage Professor Innan Sasaki’s research is
sustaining cultural heritage by enabling firms operating in sectors ranging from heritage, craft, and food and beverage, to textiles and the cultural industries (including in Japan and Finland), to make use of international markets as a way to compensate declining domestic demand for traditional products. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/innansasaki
the public, and contributing to major international initiatives.
Key metrics generated during REF2021
5th in the UK QS Executive MBA 2025
More than £32.7 million of research income generated
6th in the world QS MSc Marketing & Strategy 2026
196 book chapters published
3rd in the UK QS MSc Business Analytics 2026
44 books and journal special issues published 1,853 articles published in peer-reviewed journals 232 research doctoral degrees awarded
NASA’s journey to strategic ability Professor Loizos Heracleous’ research with NASA has contributed to its management strategy, helping the space agency to become more adaptive and informing a major change programme at the Johnson Space Centre and NASA headquarters. Over the course of his career, his work has received four Best Paper awards from the Academy of Management. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/loizosNASA
Shaping generative AI in the workplace
Advancing public understanding of science Professor Nick Chater has made significant contributions to the public understanding of science. He was a member of the UK Government’s Climate Change Committee, as well as being on the advisory board of the UK Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Insights Team. Reaching a wide audience, he co-created and served as the resident scientist on the BBC Radio 4 show The Human Zoo. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious David E. Rumelhart Prize for his contribution to cognitive science. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/nickchater
Professor Hila Lifshitz-Assaf’s research with Boston Consulting Group, MIT Sloan School of Management, Harvard Business School, and Wharton Business School, has shaped the understanding of using generative AI in the workplace. The study revealed that managers can’t expect junior professionals to be a reliable source of expertise for teaching senior staff. Find out more W wbs.ac.uk/go/hilalifshitz
4th in the UK QS MSc Management 2026
5th in the UK QS MSc Finance 2026
6th in the UK QS MBA 2026
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A snapshot for academics 2026
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