The N8 Research Partnership’s main areas of research collaboration have been chosen based on existing strengths in the N8 universities and the region, as well as for their potential for growth and economic impact. Our current research themes and programmes are Child of the North, Computationally Intensive Research (N8 CIR) and the Policing Research Partnership (N8 PRP).
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The N8 provides a platform for the universities to work together to tackle complex scientific and societal challenges, improve the research environment and promote economic development, which would not be possible if the partnership did not exist.
The N8 universities individually deliver high-quality research and innovation. However, no single university has all of the skills and expertise required to solve the complex socio-economic challenges we face today and will face in the future. Working together, we can draw on a broader range of skills and knowledge making us more effective and agile; without the collective effort and resources of the N8, there would be less collaboration and cooperation between the universities, reducing impact on research, innovation, and economic growth in the region.
Our current activities are broadly focused in two areas: collaborations in Research and Innovation; and enhancing Research Culture and Environment
Explore some of the notable achievements since the N8 was established in 2006, through the work of our Legacy Programmes and Case Studies.
The N8 is committed to a healthy and collaborative research culture which recognises the contributions made by all members of the research body. Supporting healthy, collaborative environments has been a longstanding priority for the N8. Our ambition is that wherever in the N8 they work, members of the research body experience a supportive and healthy research culture.
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The N8 has a strong record of delivery since it was established in 2006. You can explore some of the notable achievements through the work of our Legacy Programmes.
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A selection of case studies showcasing projects delivered as part of N8 programmes and the impact they have had.
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A 2025 report by leading consultancy London Economics has found that the eight Northern research-intensive universities that comprise the N8 Research Partnership generated £18.8 billion in economic impact for the UK in the 2021-22 academic year.
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In June 2025 the N8 released a landmark statement urging fundamental reform in the way scholarly research is published. The Statement calls on publishers to shift away from operating in a manner that no longer serves the interests of academic communities and offer limited innovation in how research is disseminated.
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The N8 released the N8 Rights Retention Statement in January 2023, reflecting the shared conviction of the importance of researchers retaining their rights. The Statement strongly recommends that researchers do not by default transfer intellectual property rights to publishers and use a Rights Retention statement as standard practice.
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The N8 made a collective commitment in May 2024 to advance the culture and environment for established (mid-career) researchers who make vital contributions to each of our institutions.
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