Our impact

The University of Southampton is changing the world for the better, working with industry, governments and research institutions to make a global impact. Our staff and students tackle real-world issues, making a difference to people’s lives in the local community, across the UK and around the world.

Find out more about:

• our research impact
• our economic impact
• the difference our people are making
• our impact in the city and region
• our impact on government policy
• our relationship with the Commonwealth

Making an impact through research

From new approaches to sustainable power to pioneering treatments for conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, we are addressing some of today’s major challenges.

Watch the video or visit our research pages to find out more about our research impact.

Making an economic impact

A new assessment of the University of Southampton's economic impact shows that we benefit the regional Hampshire economy to the tune of £1.3 billion annually and the city of Southampton specifically by £0.9 billion. On a national scale we contribute £2.5 billion to the economy.

The report highlights the wider impact of the University through its supply chains and networks. For example, it reveals that whilst the University directly employs around 6,000 staff, it supports the employment of over 14,000 in the city. The study indicates that the University had a total impact in 2015/16 of:
         £0.9 billion GVA* and 14,000 jobs in Southampton; 
         £1.3 billion GVA and 19,800 jobs in the region;
         £2.5billion GVA and 32,900 jobs nationally

Download the Economic Impact Assessment report

Commercialising our research

• We are one of the leading entrepreneurial universities in the UK, having successfully spun out 12 companies since 2000.

• Three of these have been floated on London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) with a combined market capitalisation value of £160m.  

Sharing our expertise

• Our professional consultancy units employ 125 staff and generate £7.5m revenue per annum.

• Our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) portfolio is worth over £1.7m and we have a higher-than-average success rate in gaining KTP funding.

Investing in new technologies

• We have been one of the most successful universities in the country in winning grants from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Technology Programme, now run by the Technology Strategy Board, with awards of almost £20m in the last two years, including £6m in collaboration with our spin-out companies.

• Innovative technologies supported through DTI grants at Southampton include stem cell research, lasers, nanotechnology, alternate fuel development and the reduction of aircraft noise.

Working in partnership

• We work with more than 300 businesses around the world. These include industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, IBM and Phillips.

• We also help new enterprises to get off the ground. Our business incubator has supported over 30 companies, helping them to raise millions of pounds in investment.

Find out more about our work with business. 

Making an impact through our people

Developing world-changing people

A Southampton education is a firm foundation for career success and many of our graduates have emerged as leaders in their fields. They include:

• Sue Langley, Chief Executive of the government’s UK Financial Services Organisation

• Sir George Buckley, the former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive of multinational conglomerate 3M

• Howard Taylor, Vice President and Managing Director of the Nike Foundation

• Adrian Newey, Technical Director for the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team

• Chris Packham, naturalist, broadcaster and conservation campaigner

Many of our own world-class staff also studied at Southampton, including Web Science pioneer Professor Dame Wendy Hall.

Find out more about our alumni.

Changing lives through student enterprise

Our students are making a positive impact on people’s lives in developing countries through the award-winning social enterprise programme, Enactus. One example is Right Light, a student-led initiative which is improving the wellbeing and economic chances of people in rural Africa by giving them access to safe, sustainable solar lamps.

Making an impact in the city and region

Contributing to economic prosperity

• The University is one of the largest employers in Southampton with nearly 6,000 members of staff.

• We contribute an estimated £0.9 billion to the local economy and support an estimated additional 14,000 jobs within the city.

• We attract investment and new businesses to the area. The University’s Science Park is home to around 100 companies, each providing jobs and opportunities in the region. 

Inspiring young people

We work with schools and colleges across the region. Initiatives such as Learn with US aim to encourage talented young people who might not otherwise see higher education as an option for them. Another successful project, LifeLab, brings Hampshire schoolchildren into the laboratory for hands-on learning. As well as having a lasting effect on their health-related lifestyle choices, LifeLab is encouraging more students to consider further study and a career in science.

The University strategy

Making an impact on society and the economy is one of our key strategic aims. Find out more about the University strategy.