Bristol's University of the West of England is investing £6 million over the next three years to maintain its position as one of the leading new universities for research.

It is putting more money into areas of study where it already has a strong reputation, including applied biomedicine, robotics, digital media, travel and lifestyles and child health.

UWE has set up a new strategic research development fund to build on the recognition of its success in last year's Research Assessment Exercise, which assesses work at all Britain's universities.

This rated more than a third of the research being carried out at the Bristol university as world-leading or internationally excellent.

The fund will provide £4 million to continue some of this world class work, and will also offer £2 million to support the next generation of researchers through PhD bursaries and starter grants.

Vice Chancellor Professor Steve West said it was important to invest for future growth in spite of the difficult economic climate.

"Developing and sustaining a globally excellent research base in selected areas is a key priority for the university," he said.

Much of the work will be carried out in partnership with other organisations – £750,000 will be invested in biomedical research into advances in diagnosis and treatment of major diseases in collaboration with the University Hospitals Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trusts, and £250,000 will go on the robot-assisted surgical procedures scheme, with the University of Bristol and the Bristol Urological Institute.