Staffordshire University shows substantial improvement in REF 2021
Staffordshire University has welcomed the results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) which has seen substantially more of its research rated as “internationally excellent” 3* and “world leading” 4*.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
Overall, 68% of Staffordshire University’s research was judged 3* and 4*, up from 37% in 2014 when the last REF results were announced. In addition, 87% of the University’s research impact has been rated as “very considerable” or “outstanding”, the two highest categories.
Staffordshire University entered seven Units of Assessment; Allied Health; Engineering; Archaeology, Business and Management, Social Work and Social Policy; Art and Design and Communication and Cultural Studies. Each unit had research which has been recognised as 4* or “world leading.”
The University is among the top 10 in the UK in terms of Grade Point Average improvement, which is a measure of the overall or average quality of research.
The University rated most highly for Art and Design where 91% of its research was recognised as 4* and 3* and 100% of research impact was judged to be “very considerable” or “outstanding”.
Welcoming the results, Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: “Research impact is incredibly important for Staffordshire University as we look to make a positive difference in our region and the wider world and improve the quality of life for people living in our communities. Much of our research is people centred and focused on finding solutions to societal problems and we’re proud that this is the case.”
“Our results in Art and Design and Engineering reflect both our heritage and our continuing commitment to the creative industries where we provide real world benefits. Moving forward, we intend to build our research strengths, align these with our enterprise activities and ensure this underpins all our teaching and learning.”
“Cutting edge facilities in the University’s Innovation Enterprise Zone, The Catalyst, Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford and Staffordshire University London provides us with exciting new opportunities to further our research portfolio.”
In total, 109 members of staff and 244 research outputs were submitted into REF 2021. Research outputs includes published research such as books or chapters in books, designs, exhibitions, journal articles, and performance.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Hetherington, who has specific responsibility for research, added: ”Putting in the best possible REF submission was a huge team effort, and we thank all our researchers and everybody involved in the process which was completed during the pandemic.”
“I’m delighted to say that the results provide us with a platform to grow our research activity which is key to our new university strategy and where we want to go as a civic university.”
Hear more from Staffordshire University's REF researchers in this REF 2021 YouTube playlist.
About REF 2021
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
The REF is undertaken by the four UK higher Education funding bodies: Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the Department for the Economy Northern Ireland.
The funding bodies aim to secure the continuation of a world class dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education. Each will determine how the REF2021 results feed into their own formulas for funding research.
Maria Scrivens
Communications Manager
t: 01782 294375
m: 07766 520339
e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University is a Civic University which plays a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We pride ourselves on being connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society.
We ranked 6th for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 and were in the top 15 for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2022.
Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have a Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford and our Staffordshire University London campus is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries.