University of Southampton
The University of Southampton stands for exploration and curiosity, using interdisciplinary thinking, inventive education, and cutting-edge facilities to catalyse change.
It is consistently placed in the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings and its scientists are finding solutions for some of the biggest challenges that our planet is facing.
It is the place where fibre-optic research is creating a faster, smarter internet; where the immune system is leading the fight against cancer; and where resources are being secured for the world’s growing populations.
Over 40% of Southampton’s research activities involve industry collaboration; the University consistently ranks first or second in the UK for the financial value of its consultancy and its engagement with small- and medium-sized companies.
Southampton is also renowned for commercialising its research; its business incubation partnership, SETsquared, has been ranked by UBI Global as the World Top Business Incubator managed by a university, since 2015.
The University of Southampton Science Park is one of the largest university science parks in the UK with an annual economic impact of £550m and the University brings approximately £1.3bn into the regional economy.
Member stories
SES Academics Shine Among 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prize Winners
Researchers from Science and Engineering South (SES) universities are among this year’s recipients of the prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prizes, recognising exceptional academic talent and innovation across the UK.
REF 2029 Panel Members – Shaping the Future of UK Research
The panel members for the criteria-setting phase of REF 2029 (Research Excellence Framework) were announced in September this year. SES representation across every Main Panel and Sub-panel highlights the outstanding research capability, diversity, and expertise of our universities
Celebrating communities’ role in science
Universities are regional anchors and integral to their ‘place’ with many examples of collaborating on scientific research with communities. Here are some recent community-led research activities by our members.
Reflections on COP28: how our partner universities are inspiring a green revolution
Universities and the ground-breaking research from their dedicated teams have long influenced the conversations and change connected to COP. Here are highlights from some of our members’ COP-related research and activities.
SES members to play a leading role in training future scientists and engineers
Some 4,000 students will benefit from a £1bn investment in doctoral training centres for engineering and physical sciences, with SES members lead partners in almost a third of them.
Discovering positive research initiatives at SES universities
Our partner universities are at the cutting edge of research. They constantly strive to create environments where new ideas can flourish, and innovation is second nature.
Professor Mark Spearing
Executive Board Member