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Research Excellence Framework (REF)

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021 an outstanding 93.1% of our research was deemed world-leading or internationally excellent. The University has one of the broadest research bases in the UK with a varied range of disciplines reflected in our academic community. We submitted 118 impact case studies to expert panels, showcasing the University’s wide-ranging collaborations with external partners to deliver societal and economic impacts locally, nationally and globally. In addition, REF2021 placed us:

• 1st in Scotland for outputs and GPA
• 2nd in Scotland for 4* overall
• 12th for 4* overall in Russell Group
• 15th for 4* overall in UK
• 13th in Russell Group for Research Power

College of Arts and Humanities

Two-thirds of environment and impact was recognised as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' for the College of Arts and Humanities.  90% or higher of research was assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

College of Social Sciences

100% of the research environment was assessed as having the 'vitality and sustainability' to produce 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' research and impact.

College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

The REF panel judged that over 95% of the research submission is ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’.

College of Science and Engineering

Six out of seven units have a research environment that was assessed as 100% 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.