Research Excellence Framework 2021
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).
Results
The excellence of research at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø and its positive real-world impact has improved since 2014, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF) assessment results.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø isÌýsecond in the UK for research power by a measure of average research score multiplied by staff numbers submitted. For this, 93 per cent of our research was graded 4* ‘world leading’ and 3* ‘internationally excellent’.
Our research received a 'grade point average' of 3.50 (out of 4) – an improvement from 3.22 in 2014. A total of 3,432 Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø academics submitted to this REF process.ÌýSee the full REF 2021 results.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø President & Provost Dr Michael Spence shares this video message (below)Ìýon Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø's excellent REF 2021 results.
Submissions
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø submitted evidence of a breadth of research activities including 8,052 research outputs such as journal articles, books, designs, exhibitions and performances. We also shared 194 impact case studies showcasing diverse impact across every faculty to combat the most pressing global challenges of our time, and we provided evidence of the environment that enables us to deliver world-leading research.ÌýSee more on REF 2021 submissions.
Impact
Through our interdisciplinary work, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø researchers have been collaborating with local and international partners on a range of issues – from tackling inequalities and climate change and addressing health challenges including COVID-19, HIV and cancer. They have also helped preserve ancient heritage for future generations, transformed social care policy and practice, worked with industry to supply cutting-edge technology for international space missions, and much more.
You can browse our impact case studies – below – andÌýlisten to our podcast series. Ìý
Browse our REF 2021 impact case studies
Ìý
Ìý