NLS believes in the symbiotic relationship between excellent academic research on the one hand, and professional practice and legal pedagogy on the other. Our research community produces highly innovative and impactful world-leading research, engaging with cross-disciplinary and cross-cutting developments relating to some of the most significant global challenges, including the rights, safety and security of vulnerable groups, the accountability of public and private sector bodies, and the financial and environmental sustainability of the public, private and third sectors.
Research Centres
The School has three Research Centres which embody and encapsulate its core research strengths. In recent years the Centres have secured funding from a range of sources, including the AHRC, ESRC, Nuffield Foundation, British Academy and the US Department of State.
Centre for Rights and Justice
The Centre for Rights and Justice (CRJ) was established in 2013. It is an inclusive Centre with a diverse membership, bringing together research, practice and scholarship, in the broad areas of human rights and criminal justice.
Centre for Business and Insolvency Law
The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law (CBIL) was founded in 2012 and brings together expertise in legal and business practice, both nationally and internationally, addressing important challenges and contributing to debates.
Centre for Legal Education
Nottingham Law School's Centre for Legal Education drives the Law School's excellence and innovation in academic and professional legal education.
Research Groups and Hubs
The School also hosts a number of research groups and practitioner-facing hubs which sit under the auspices of our Research Centres.
Health Law and Ethics Group
The Group is led by Dr Austen Garwood-Gowers whose main areas of interest are medical use of the human body (especially organ transplantation but also medical research and bio-banking) and health related dignity and rights issues.
Intellectual Property Research Group
Intellectual property rights are property rights in something intangible and they reward innovation and creative activity. The Intellectual Property Research Group is led by Janice Denoncourt and aims to lead research in this field within the East Midlands region.
Excellence in Advocacy at NLS
Excellence in Advocacy builds upon Nottingham Law School's expertise in the design and delivery of advocacy training and aims to promote and develop the study of the practice and training of advocates.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution Hub
The mission of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Hub is to be at the vanguard of public and academic debate about mediation
Our projects
Nottingham Law School’s researchers collaborate with a range of global research partners, including government agencies, NGOs, corporations and other universities to find innovative solutions to some of the most significant global challenges.
Mapping the Changing Face of Cross-Examination
This exciting new project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, analyses the impact of recent changes in law and policy on the conduct of cross-examination of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in criminal trials.
Identity, Memory, Nationhood and Post-Colonial Society
Legal systems, in common with all other social structures, metamorphosise and adapt in response to a changing world. A number of our researchers are exploring the relationship between law, and evolving understandings of identity, belonging and accountability. Their work encompasses a range of perspectives and levels, from the individual and community, right through to the national and international nation.
Research Degrees
Our research degrees will enhance your employability whilst providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment for you to thrive as a researcher.
We offer opportunities for PhD and Professional Doctorates, and a researcher support programme that prioritises your professional development.
Come and be a part of our world-leading research.
Our Research Community
Jonathan Doak
Associate Dean for Research
Nottingham Law School
Jingchen Zhao
Professor
Nottingham Law School
Rebecca Parry
Professor
Nottingham Law School
Jane Ching
Professor
Nottingham Law School
Loretta Trickett
Professor
Nottingham Law School
Helen O'Nions
Associate Professor
Nottingham Law School
Helen Hall
Associate Professor
Nottingham Law School
James Thornton
Senior Lecturer
Nottingham Law School
Thomas Lewis
Professor
Nottingham Law School
Liz Curran
Associate Professor
Nottingham Law School
Seema Patel
Associate Professor
Nottingham Law School
Emma Ireton
Associate Professor
Nottingham Law School
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From ethics, innovation and entrepreneurship to behavioural science, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 86% of NTU’s research impact was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. The overall quality of each Unit of Assessment NTU submitted to REF in 2021 also saw an improvement from the previous REF in 2014.