The REF is the system through which the quality of research in UK universities is assessed. You can view our impact case studies for Art and Design here.
Speaking about the REF results, Professor Cees de Bont, Dean of the School of Design and Creative Arts, said: “We have done extremely well. We are top 5 in research power in the UK, and out of these five, we have the highest research quality. Our research expertise across art and design is of a very high standard. We’re making the world safer, more sustainable and more inclusive and thereby make real difference to the lives of people.
“Many colleagues and research partners have been involved in the REF. and I am extremely grateful for their contribution. I am hugely proud of what we have achieved.”
In addition to our great success in Art and Design research areas, 91% of Loughborough University’s research overall is now ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. 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. Some of Loughborough’s stand out performances came in the areas that support the three headline themes of our new university strategy – net zero and climate change, sport, health and wellbeing, and vibrant and inclusive communities. Find out more about Loughborough's success here.