Research
Research for change
SOAS research addresses some of the world's most pressing challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term partnerships across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 87% of SOAS research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, with subjects including Finance and Management, Law, and Development Studies ranking among the UK's best for research. Our researchers work with governments, international organisations, NGOs, businesses, and local communities to inform policy and produce real-world impact.
Research focus
Research themes
From climate change and global development to politics, languages and cultural heritage, SOAS research tackles the issues shaping societies around the world. Explore the key themes and questions that drive our research.
- Climate, sustainability, and development: how can societies build more sustainable, resilient and equitable futures?
- Power, politics, and global justice: how do governments, institutions and communities respond to conflict, inequality and global change?
- Culture, language, and identity: how do language, history, religion and the arts shape societies, identities and shared knowledge?
- Economic transformation, business, and innovation: how are economies, businesses and financial systems adapting in an interconnected world?
- Regions in a global context: how do developments across Asia, Africa and the Middle East shape global challenges and opportunities?
Regional expertise
SOAS is internationally recognised for its specialist research on Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Our researchers combine deep regional knowledge with interdisciplinary approaches to explore the histories, cultures, languages, politics and economies shaping these regions – and their influence on the wider world.
Centres, institutes and research clusters
SOAS is home to over 20 specialist research centres, institutes and clusters, including:
- SOAS South Asia Institute
- SOAS Middle East Institute
- SOAS China Institute
- Japan Research Centre
- Centre for Human Rights Law
- Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies
View all our centres, institutes and research clusters.
Research partnerships
SOAS collaborates with universities, governments, and international agencies worldwide, with funding from bodies including the European Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, and the British Academy.
Explore our full network of partner universities.