A powerful, impactful University
The outcome of the REF 2014 has confirmed that the University is one of the UK’s top 10 universities for research power and is the most highly-rated institution in Yorkshire for research impact.
We are ranked 10th in the UK for research power* and 9th in the impact power ranking. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 confirmed the University’s excellence in several areas; the following were all ranked in the top 10 in the UK by overall Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Business and Management Studies
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Sports and Exercise Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Law
- Communication and Media Studies
We can also be pleased that our institutional GPA increased to 3.13 (it was 2.72 in RAE2008**), and 82.76% of our research is now rated 4* or 3* (60.8% in RAE2008) – meaning it is world-leading or internationally excellent.
There has been a general improvement across the sector, as a result of which our overall GPA ranking has slipped to 21st. However, there are extremely small differences between the rankings; a margin of just 0.27 separates ourselves and the highest ranked institution.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor David Hogg says: “A huge amount of work went into the REF and all our staff should be congratulated and thanked for their efforts. Given our overall size and the percentage of staff submitting, it is an outcome on which we can build and confirms our position as one of the UK's leading research universities.
“Through our Strategic Plan we have already started to identify and address how we can further improve our future research performance and consistency. Our substantial investment in three key areas – people, infrastructure and our relevance in tackling global challenges – will help us build on our existing success. Every school, with University support, will play a part in meeting out ambitions for the 2020 REF, increased grant income and our ability to attract and retain the very best staff.”
The full results of REF 2014 are still being analysed and more information will be disseminated as it becomes available on this website. All colleagues who have been involved in REF 2014 will be invited to contribute to local discussions that will take place in the new year, led by Heads of School and UoA leaders.
See the results and the University’s analysis at http://ref2014.leeds.ac.uk/results – you can also visit www.ref.ac.uk for further information.
*Research power: a combination of volume of research multiplied by quality.
**Research Assessment Exercise 2008