2017 was an unprecedented year for research at the University of Nottingham. The largest planned investment in research in the University's history was announced at the Royal Society in London, where our six Beacons of Excellence - transdisciplinary research areas focused on the UN's key goals for sustainable development - were also unveiled to the world. Here Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, joins Nottingham Research Fellows to look back on the highlights of our landmark year in research.