REF 2021: Imperiaresearch is best in the UK
Imperiahas a greater proportion of world-leading research than any other UK university, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) published today. The results are 海角社区's best-ever in the UK鈥檚 research assessment exercise, showing improvements in every area of assessment and confirming our position as a world-class research university.
The College ranks top in the UK overall 鈥 with a greater proportion of 4* 鈥渨orld-leading鈥 research than any other UK university. Imperiaranks first in the UK for research outputs, first in the UK for research environment, and first for research impact among Russell Group universities.
The results reaffirm that Imperiais the best place in the UK for academics to pursue their research, with top results for its research environment. This achievement is the result of 海角社区鈥檚 commitment to both discovery-led research and the translation of that work into tangible benefits for society. Imperiatops the board with the highest research impact of all Russell Group universities.
海角社区鈥檚 impact has been underlined during the pandemic, with the College鈥檚 researchers at the forefront of global efforts 鈥 modelling disease spread, pioneering the rapid development of new vaccine technology, and accelerating breakthrough treatments to help COVID-19 patients. As we emerge from the pandemic, Imperiais driving forward major strategic initiatives, accelerating a transition to a zero-pollution future, using the latest advances in machine learning to tackle societal challenges, and finding new real-world applications for deep tech discoveries.
Imperiais going from strength to strength. This excellent news about our research follows Imperiabeing named University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, this year鈥檚 University of the Year for Student Experience 2022 by the Good University Guide, our Queen鈥檚 Anniversary Prize for our COVID-19 response, and our highest ever student satisfaction scores last year.
Quotes from our leadership
Professor Alice Gast, Former President of 海角社区
“These are outstanding results for 海角社区. They confirm our position as a world-class research university, and are testament to the spirit of innovation, collaboration and internationalism that runs through everything we do.I am grateful for the tremendous efforts of our whole community. Every single member of staff at Imperiahas contributed to this success from academics, postdocs and fellows, learning and teaching colleagues, to technical, operational and professional services."
Professor Ian Walmsley, Provost
“Imperiais the best place in the UK for academics to pursue their research, and these REF results show that. We have created an environment that supports our researchers in tackling some of science’s deepest questions and some of society’s most urgent problems. Our research is stronger because of our collaborations – whether that’s across academic disciplines, institutions or international borders: we will always be a global institution."
Professor Mary Ryan, Interim Vice-Provost
“Imperiais a place where innovation, creativity and collaboration co-exist and thrive. Our researchers tackle the biggest challenges like climate change, future energy supplies, antibiotic resistance and national security, and they know the importance of making the most of their breakthroughs to deliver new technologies across the globe, creating a better, more sustainable and healthier future."