The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality of research conducted in UK universities between 2014-2021. The recently released results position research conducted in both Sociology and Criminology and Social Policy as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Sociology research was assessed under the wider panel on Communication, Culture and Media and the results position Loughborough among the top five leading centres in the UK. 92% of research outputs were considered world-leading or internationally excellent, with 65% rated as world leading (4*). The social impact and research environment were both 100% world leading.
Criminology and Social Policy research was submitted to the Social Work and Social Policy panel. 88% of the research outputs were rated world leading or internationally excellent, and social impact and research environment were rated 100% world leading or internationally excellent.
We are very pleased with the excellent results, Sociology and Media research being one of the highest ranking subject areas in Loughborough and the UK, and Criminology and Social Policy acknowledged especially for the world changing impact made by the Centre for Research in Social Policy on establishing the minimum standard of dignified living in the UK and internationally.