Our vision 

To secure recognition and support for research excellence, wherever it thrives. We leverage GuildHE's influence to shape policy and spotlight the unique research strengths of our members including their disciplines, methodologies, and the expertise that defines them. We empower our institutions to cultivate thriving research cultures, craft robust strategies, and build the infrastructure needed to realise their ambitions. 

We are driving change. We're empowering members to excel in research policy and strategy. We support our members to navigate the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAPs), research integrity, culture and open access. 

We're building cost-effective research infrastructure through shared services and innovative partnerships. Our postgraduate researcher community benefits from initiatives such as our annual Doctoral Festival.

Led by GHE Research Director Professor Emile Bojesen, Director of Research and Innovation at University of Winchester and GuildHE's Head of Research Policy, Rachel Persad, we're shaping the future of smaller and specialist higher education research.

GuildHE Research is engaged in the extremely valuable task of positively influencing policy that affects specialist, vocational, and technical higher education institutions. The consortium also works to help its member institutions develop stronger research cultures, strategies and infrastructures.

Professor Emile Bojesen, Director of GHE Research

Our history

In 2010, the Consortium for Research Excellence, Support and Training (CREST) was launched by GuildHE and its members. It aimed to amplify the “islands of excellence” highlighted by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Initial funding came from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). 

CREST underwent a refresh of its aims and vision in 2019. This was in response to the evolving UK research and innovation landscape, including the arrival of UK Research and Innovation, and a surge in membership diversity. GuildHE Research was launched at the British Library on March 4, 2019, reinforcing its crucial connection with GuildHE. It stands as a national research consortium, a supportive hub for institutions with ambitious research goals.