18 Dec 2014
Results of the Research Excellence Framework
The outcomes of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise that assesses the quality of research in all UK universities, have been published today.
Every six years universities submit examples of their best research, which is assessed by a team of subject experts. The assessment is based on staff publications, the impact of the research and the research environment at the university. Each part of a submission is awarded up to four stars.
The results show that 65.5% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. This compares to a national average figure of 43%. This places us 17th in the sector.
The very high submission rate at Loughborough (88% of eligible staff were returned) was one of the highest across all universities and confirms to our students that they will enjoy the benefits of being taught in a world-class research environment.
We have seen a large increase of 37% in the proportion of research rated as ‘4-star world-leading’ at Loughborough. Research considered to be ‘3-star internationally excellent’ has also increased by 23%.
At subject level, the results show that Loughborough has the largest concentration of world-leading research in sport and exercise sciences. Other areas with high proportions of world leading research include Communication & Media Studies and Architecture & Built Environment. All of our areas have a proportion of their research that is world leading.
Details of all our results are available on the dedicated REF webpages.
Read the press release for more.