The University of Liverpool has reinforced its place as a world leading research institution in the results of the independent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
The REF is an assessment of research activity at all UK universities undertaken every seven years by UK government.
91% of the University’s research is classed as world leading or internationally excellent as part of the national exercise to assess the quality and impact of research.
The University’s sector position for research quality and quantity has improved across the board since the last assessment in 2014, with particular progress in research impact (social, economic or industrial).
Nine Liverpool subjects achieved a top ten ranking for their outstanding impact and 94% of the University’s research impact is now considered outstanding or very considerable, recognising the wide-reaching benefits of Liverpool experts’ work in areas of health, culture, policy, business, sustainability and more.
The University of Liverpool’s ‘research power’ is 19th in the UK. Research power represents the overall quality and volume of research submitted.
As a research-intensive University, these results are particularly important, both from a funding and reputational perspective, and colleagues across the University have been working hard to deliver a submission showcasing our research outputs and their real-world impact, and the research environment underpinning them. This has included an outstanding effort from our postgraduate researchers (PGRs).
Professor Simeon Yates, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Environment and Postgraduate Research said: “The work of PGRs at the University of Liverpool is an important component of our REF success. PGRs often contribute directly to publications and research outputs and they are also key to the quality of our research environment and have contributed to research impact. We hope that you will have opportunity to share in the University’s and your Faculty’s celebration of the REF results.”
To find out more about the University’s REF 2021 performance, please visit the REF web pages.