News / Research
Bristol Uni named Research University of the Year
The University of Bristol has been named Research University of the Year 2026 in the Daily Mail University Guide, where it hailed the university for “constantly pushing at the boundaries of human knowledge”.
Bristol Uni was selected from 128 institutions for its world-leading research, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), where it is building a “formidable record”.
The recognition follows the launch of the UK’s fastest supercomputer, Isambard-AI in Emersons Green recently and Bristol’s recognition as “AI University of the Year” in 2024.
is needed now More than ever
The University of Bristol has been named Research University of the Year 2026 in the Daily Mail University Guide – photo: Milan Perera
The university’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, due to open in 2026, was also highlighted for its role in driving innovation and regenerating part of the city centre.
Bristol climbed ten places to eighth in the national rankings, scoring highly for research income (second), research quality (fourth) and student completion (sixth).
Applications for university places at Bristol Uni are steadily rising every year where more than 63,000 students applied in 2024.
The recognition follows the launch of Isambard- AI, the UK’s fastest supercomputer, in Emersons Green
Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol, said she was “delighted” by the recognition:
She said: “I want to thank and congratulate all our academic, technical and professional services staff who have contributed to this wonderful accolade through their hard work.
“I am also very proud that our world-leading research feeds directly into our curriculum. Our students are able to work with globally recognised experts who are pushing the boundaries of today’s knowledge and skills, making this a very exciting place to study as well as undertake research.”
University of Bristol was recognised as “AI University of the Year” in 2024 – photo: Milan Perera
The University of Bristol is also a member of SETsquared, the incubator run jointly with universities of Southampton, Surrey, Bath, Cardiff and Exeter.
The award-winning incubator helps transform ground-breaking research into viable, scalable business models. Last autumn during the Bristol Tech Festival, SETsquared received a funding vehicle worth £300m from QantX, a leading regional investment firm to expand its offerings.
Applications for university places at Bristol Uni are steadily rising every year where more than 63,000 students applied in 2024 – photo: Milan Perera
For deep-tech and fintech ventures requiring specialised laboratories and mentorship, Science Creates — with two existing sites in Old Market and St Philip’s Marsh and a third set to open at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus — is playing a key role in accelerating research into real-world applications. Its founder, Dr Harry Destecroix, was recognised in the New Year Honours List for his contributions to science.
The Science Creates facility at Temple Quarter campus is expected to provide research and lab space to around 275 spinout companies.
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is due to open in September 2026 – photo: FCB Studios
Main photo: Milan Perera
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