University of Reading strengthens research reputation
Release Date 18 December 2014
The University of Reading has strengthened its standing as a leading research institution in the biggest national assessment of UK university research.
Reading ranked 27th out of 154 institutions by research power , a measure of both the quality and quantity of research, in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF). 98% of Reading's research was rated as internationally recognised, 78% was classed as internationally excellent and 27% as world leading.
The results confirm the University has world-leading strengths across a very wide range of disciplines. Reading shone in several REF units of assessment including:
- Earth Systems & Environmental Sciences (3rd in UK for research power)
- Agriculture, Veterinary & Food Science (4th in UK for research power)
- Architecture, Built Environment and Planning (6th in UK for research power)
- Business and Management (third of research world-leading)
- Classics (3rd in UK for research outputs)
- Typography (1st in UK for research quality)
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "These results show that Reading is an institution that conducts outstanding research which makes a difference to people's lives. Reading employs research staff that are at the very top of their field. Over the last two years we have appointed 50 new senior academic appointments as part of a major investment programme to further knowledge in research areas of critical global importance. By continuing to invest in new research centres and technology, Reading is at the forefront of pioneering research and driving innovation."
Professor Steve Mithen, University of Reading Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, added: "The University is home to many outstanding departments and schools, from meteorology to agriculture, classics to construction management, typography to food and nutritional sciences. We are proud of the depth and breadth of our outstanding research. Our focus will be to continue conducting research that secures and sustains societies and has lasting impact across the globe."
ENDS
The Research Excellence Framework is a national assessment of research policy co-ordinated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)