REF 2021: 100% of Department of Mathematics Education research impact rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), published on 12 May, show that 100% of Department of Mathematics Education research impact was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and overall 91% of Loughborough University’s research is now ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’.

The REF is the system through which the quality of research in UK universities is assessed.

The 2021 results also show an 11% increase in Loughborough’s share of the UK’s very best research, since the REF was last undertaken in 2014, as the institution gained significant ground in comparison to others.

The results particularly underline the wide-ranging positive impacts that Loughborough’s research has on the world. Here, 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ – another significant increase on 2014.

In the Department of Mathematics Education, 100% of research impact was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Speaking about the latest REF results, Loughborough Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, said: “Quite simply, these results are exceptional for us. We’ve seen one of the largest increases in the sector in the proportion of research classed as ‘world-leading’, and our results underline the tangible impact our research is having on the world. We’re making a real difference to the lives of people all around the globe.

“Many colleagues across our community have been involved in the REF in some way, and I am extremely grateful for their contribution. You should be proud of what we have achieved.”