REF 2021: Over 90% of Loughborough’s research is ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’
The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) show that 91% of Loughborough University’s research is now ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. The REF is the system through which the quality of research in UK universities is assessed.
The university has been one of the highest risers in the results table with the quality of research impact being especially noteworthy. Here, 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ which is a testament to the importance of our partnership activities.
Loughborough University’s London campus played a key role in Loughborough’s submission to the REF, contributing to six of the ‘units of assessment’. Particular highlights were the results in Sport and Exercise Science as well as Communications and Media, both ranking in the top 10 nationally. The school has also seen positive results in Art and Design, Business and Management Studies, Engineering and Politics and International Studies. The assessment of the ‘research environment’ confirms that the research culture has improved compared with the 2014 results through the establishment and growth of the London campus.
Speaking about the results, Professor Aidan McGarry, the Associate Dean for Research, said: "the REF results are fantastic and demonstrate the world-leading research which is being done by colleagues in London". The Dean of Loughborough London, Professor Tony Edwards, commented: "These results confirm the upward trajectory on which the university is on and the important role that the London campus is playing in this process".
