THE University of Bolton is dedicated to delivering world-leading research and applying its discoveries to generating enterprise and outcomes which benefit local communities as well as the knowledge economy.

While the university is led by teaching, research informs what happens in the lecture theatre and academics across subject areas conduct their own subject area research.

But, primarily, research at the university is delivered by three research institutes and three research centres.

Bolton is probably best known for its smart materials research, based in the Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI).

Today, IMRI is a world leader in advanced and smart materials and systems. Its most research successes include revolutionary bulletproof vests, sophisticated health care dressings and green energy generators, including a fibre which can generate energy from the sun, wind, rain and tides.

It won the University Spin Out Prize for IMRI in the 2011 Energy Awards.

The Institute for Educational Cybernetics works to better understand how communications technologies affect education and works for UK higher education to research strategy and develop innovative software.

And the Institute for Renewable Energy and Environmental Technologies focuses on sustainable technology solutions which will lead to a cleaner environment.

The Centre for Worktown Studies was established in 2009 to promote research around the Humphrey Spender Worktown collection of documentary photographs produced for Mass Observation in the late 1930s.

Its annual conference is as popular with local historians as it is with academics.

The Centre for Research for Health and Wellbeing focuses on health and wellbeing professional agendas and social issues and conducts research based on collaborative partnerships and community involvement.

It is behind Bolton’s annual health mela which brings informal health and lifestyle advice to all communities.

The Centre for Islamic Finance launched in 2013, attracting business leaders and academics to hear Dr Ahmed Mohammad Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank, speak about the ‘ethical and moral’ dimension of Islamic finance.