REF 2021 shows UKCRIC higher education institutions are amongst the UK’s best

Published on 12th May 2022, the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise continues to demonstrate that UKCRIC higher education institution members are amongst the UK’s top universities.

The REF is a periodic assessment of the quality of research undertaken by UK universities. It is important because it provides accountability for public investment in research as well as evidence as to the benefits of the outputs and impact of research beyond academia.

For UKCRIC member institutions the application of this research, through the renewal, sustainment and improvement of infrastructure and cities in the UK and internationally, is a means of demonstrating this impact.

Submissions to the REF are made in 34 subject areas (or units of assessment). Drawing on the Engineering unit of assessment which is most relevant to UKCRIC, universities ranked by the % of research classed as either world leading (rated 4*) or internationally excellent (rated 3*) show that:

• 9 of the top 10 are UKCRIC member universities
• The top 7 are all UKCRIC member universities
• 10 of the 15 UKCRIC member universities achieved 50% or higher of their submission that is rated 4* research
• All 15 UKCRIC member universities achieved 50% or higher of their submission that is rated at least 3*

To understand more about the REF visit the website.