REF 2014: College research rated as world-leading and internationally excellent

More than 80% of research submitted by 天天吃瓜鈥檚 College of Natural Sciences has been rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. This places the College in the top 20 amongst UK universities in three subject areas: Environmental Science, Agriculture and Health. 

Research strength is growing rapidly in the College with its quality rating increasing by 20% since the 2008 assessment, the 5th highest increase of any UK university in Environmental Science. 

A particularly notable component of this success is the rating of the impact of the College鈥檚 research on the economy, society and the environment, with more than 60% of the cases rated in the highest category of 鈥渨orld-leading鈥�. This research with impact ranges from:

  • conservation and sustainable management of fisheries and peatlands (including the use of advanced biological techniques)
  • predicting and combating climate change through improved ocean forecasting, marine energy production and carbon footprinting of food products
  • breeding new varieties of rice, maize and pearl millet improving farmer livelihoods and food security
  • biotechnology to improve production of healthy food ingredients.

Through its strategic alliance with Aberystwyth University, the College is now in 4th place in UK in 鈥渞esearch power鈥� (the quantity of high-quality research) in Agriculture and 14th in Environmental Science.

Head of College Professor Colin Jago expressed his delight at today鈥檚 news: 鈥淚鈥檓 not at all surprised to see the College of Natural Sciences continue our upward trajectory within the UK sector. Our research here is indeed world class and, as our current students will testify, that research is used to inform our teaching.  The high Impact score for our research is particularly pleasing, because in this College we really pride ourselves on doing research that makes a difference.

On the back of our recent very strong National Student Survey (NSS) results, where we were ranked in the top ten in the UK for student satisfaction, we see the 2014 REF results as vindicating our position as a College and a university that offers the best combination of world-leading academic schools along with a great student experience鈥�

A summary table of the University鈥檚 REF results can be accessed .

Publication date: 18 December 2014