Research
Our researchers work across disciplines, industries, and institutions to change the world at the intersection of vision and action. We partner with business leaders and policy makers to make significant global impact.
Making a difference through research
Edinburgh Business School offers a dynamic and inclusive research culture that prioritises integrity, equality, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a focus on translating knowledge into practice, our research is embedded in organisations across a range of sectors and cultural contexts.
At REF 2021, 88% of our research activity was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We have a track record of leading and delivering major projects in partnership with a range of collaborators, and are home to a thriving community of doctoral researchers.
Through a commitment to open science and the highest standards of research integrity, we advance excellent and impactful research that addresses critical societal challenges while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations locally and globally.
Our approach to research
Our research activity takes place across our departments, research centres and labs:
- Departments are focused on the creation of knowledge through original research and academic publication.
- Research Centres are focused on translating that knowledge into practice through multiple forms of engagement with business and policy communities.
- Labs ensure that we are able to anticipate and respond quickly to emerging areas, acting as academic ‘start-ups’ to test new ideas and seed opportunities for future developments.
Centre for the Transformation of Work
EBS has a distinguished legacy of impactful research, addressing critical societal challenges through its interdisciplinary approach. Centre for the Transformation of Work (CTW) investigates contemporary work and employment issues to improve working lives globally. Anchored in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, CTW's mission is to advance theoretical understanding of the work and workplaces, while addressing the needs of industry, governments, and civil society organisations.
With a commitment to equity, accountability, and sustainability, CTW’s vision is embodied through three foundational pillars:
- Equitable, Inclusive, and Accessible Work and Professions
- Socially Responsible and Accountable Organisations
- Sustainable Working Lives
Logistics and Supply Chain Research
Edinburgh Business School’s logistics research focuses on developing innovative, practical solutions to optimise global supply chains, enhance resilience, and support industrial decarbonisation.
Our experts collaborate with businesses and policymakers to tackle pressing challenges, from sustainable transport and last-mile delivery to digitalisation and risk management. By integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications, we drive efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in logistics and supply chain management.
Our research labs
- The Intelligent Automation Systems Lab conducts cutting-edge research around how innovative technologies like AI and robotic process automation (RPA) are reshaping modern workplaces.
- Health Applications Lab (HeAL) is designed to advance healthcare systems by integrating social science insights into the core of medical research and policymaking.
- The Responsible AI Lab supports the adoption of AI technologies that are not only innovative but also responsible, equitable, and aligned with the UN SDGs.
- The Women at Work Lab aspires to become a global centre of thought leadership on gender equality in professional environments.