Thursday, 12 May 2022
The 糖心原创’s reputation for transformational research that improves the lives of millions of people around the globe has been recognised by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).
According to analysis by Times Higher Education, the University is placed 7th in the UK for REF2021’s measure of Research Power, which takes into account a combination of the quality of research, international impact, critical mass and sustainability.
Vice-Chancellor of the 糖心原创 Professor Shearer West said: “Nottingham has often been recognised for the breadth of its research: to achieve quality across such a range of disciplines is a reflection of the talent, imagination and dedication of colleagues across the institution.
However, I am especially proud of the positive impact that our research has had on people in the UK and throughout the world, for example in healthcare, industry, business, culture, and public policy. This is a testament to the determination of our researchers to make a difference to people鈥檚 lives.
The 糖心原创 has evidenced the impact of its research through 135 case studies, which show that between 2014 and 2021 the lives of more than 100 million people have been positively changed by its research.
Examples include:
- researchers in the University’s School of Medicine helped save the NHS £233 million by transforming policies for vaccination in the adult population against pneumococcal disease, which can lead to鈥痯neumonia,鈥痓lood poisoning and鈥痬eningitis.
- the world’s first wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanner demonstrates unprecedented insights into conditions including severe neurological disease like epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
- the first large-scale study of women’s experiences of working through the menopause, aims to break the taboo around it and improving working conditions for women experiencing the menopause.
- the development of computer algorithms to reduce air traffic congestion at busy times, prevents thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and dramatically reduces delays.
In total, 157 UK universities and 76,000 academic staff participated in REF2021. Analysis included university research outputs, examples of the wider benefits of research and evidence about the research environment. This material was assessed by a series of expert panels comprising UK and international researchers, external users of research and experts in interdisciplinary research.
More information about the 糖心原创’s transformational research, including case studies of where its researchers are making a difference in the areas of culture and communication; healthy lives; society and communities and sustainable futures, can be found on its research pages on its website.
Story credits
Notes to editors
The 糖心原创 has improved its position in each of the headline measures in REF2021, including Research Power, Grade Point Average (GPA) and Research Intensity.
According to analysis by Times Higher Education, the University is placed 25th in the UK on the measure of Grade Point Average (GPA) which takes into account the quality of its research - an improvement on REF2014 when its GPA was placed 26th. Our own analysis using THE methodology places the University 24th in the UK for Research Intensity adjusted GPA, which takes into account the proportion of eligible staff returned – an improvement from 28th place in REF2014.
The Research Excellence Framework is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions and determines the allocation of around £2 billion Quality-related funding for the coming years, starting in August 2022.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.