Research at University of Glasgow Recognised as 'World Class'

The University of Glasgow’s broad-based excellence agenda has been recognised by the Research Excellence Framework – the UK-wide assessment of the quality of universities’ research which dictates funding allocation and is a strong influence on student recruitment.

The power of its research places the University 12th overall in the UK and 2nd in Scotland. This is consistent with the University of Glasgow’s place as a world top-100 university.

The percentage of the University’s research judged to be “internationally excellent” or better has risen from 56% in 2008 to 81%. Research judged to be “world-leading” – the top category - has doubled to 31%.

This improvement has been achieved across all four colleges of the University – Arts, Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences - and reflects a high performance across an exceptionally wide profile.

For the first time, this UK-wide Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) has included not only assessment of academic output but also the impact the research has had on the economy, society, public policy, culture and the quality of life.

The University of Glasgow’s achievements include pioneering research in medicine with new drugs and treatments; software revolutionising the design of electric motors; new ways of controlling animal diseases including TB in cattle and rabies; a positive impact on knife crime policy; and assisting the transformation of Stirling Castle into one of the UK’s leading heritage sites.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Anton Muscatelli said: “It is particularly pleasing that, in line with the aspirations of the University set out in the University’s 2020 Global Vision, 31% of our output was judged to be of ‘world-leading’ quality. This success lies at the very heart of our contribution to the UK’s economy and, in particular, Scotland’s economy.”

The University’s direct contribution to Scotland’s GDP is estimated at 0.5% of the Scottish economy and over 3% of Glasgow’s GDP.

Research excellence was found throughout the Colleges of the University.

The College of Arts has excelled in the delivery of impact, a world-class research environment and increased grant capture. As such, it was judged to have delivered 32.5% of research that was of "world-leading" quality, rising to 42% for its impact. Strategic investment, innovative training programmes and increased grant-capture has led to a major increase in the volume of world leading research in the College of Arts.

Areas demonstrating research excellence across all aspects include English and Scottish Language and Literature, History, and Communication, Cultural and Media Studies. The Centre for Cultural Policy Research has been recognised as a world-class leader in analytical, theoretical and empirical research that directs and informs public debate on cultural, communications and media policy in Scotland, the UK, the EU and globally.

Within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences 83% of research was assessed as “internationally excellent” or better and 64% of its impact was considered to be outstanding.

Submissions in Clinical Medicine were ranked 6th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland, cementing the University of Glasgow’s world-class reputation for studies into cancer, cardiovascular, and immune and inflammatory diseases ; 40% of this was assessed as “world-leading”. Pioneering research has led to the development of new therapeutics and management strategies. This led to 77% of the impact submission being rated outstanding.

Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science was ranked third in the UK and featured strengths in infectious disease, comparative medicine and biology. Through engagement with government, industry and international agencies, the researchers have had a major impact on national and international policies including the control of TB in cattle and rabies in East Africa; 82% of this submission was deemed outstanding in terms of impact.

The College’s Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience submission also excelled with 44% rated “world-leading” – an evaluation which underlined its grounding in excellence, particularly in systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging and social interactions.

In the College of Science and Engineering 90% of research has been judged to be “internationally excellent” or better. When it came to impact, 95% was assessed as having very considerable reach and significance. Human geography was rated best in the UK for “internationally excellent” or better research. In engineering our “internationally excellent” and “world leading” research places Glasgow in the top 5 in the UK.

The College addresses major technological and societal challenges, leading to impact, including: new computer algorithms for the life-saving matching of kidney donors with recipients; design tools for the world’s semiconductor manufacturers; training methods to help police resolve missing persons cases; an over-the-counter medical test for bowel cancer; and software revolutionizing the design of electric motors in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Looking forward, current research includes pioneering approaches to safe drinking water; antibacterial sterilization methods for surgical instruments and the packaging of perishable supermarket foods; and the establishment of a £29m UK Centre of Excellence for Quantum Technologies for next generation imaging systems.

The College of Social Sciences has had a very strong showing in policy-related research across many of its units of assessment. Urban Studies came joint first in the UK, with half of their submission being judged as “world-leading”. Social Policy came 1st in Scotland, 5th in the Russell Group (the UK’s 24 top research-intensive universities) and 8th in the UK, with over 80% of their research being judged as “internationally excellent” or better. Area Studies also came 1st in Scotland. The College achieved the highest possible 4-star rating in 60% of its impact activity in Social Policy, Urban Studies, History and Law. Its world-class research generated outstanding policy impact in reducing reoffending, tackling knife crime, changing the law on rape, neighbourhood regeneration and improving health outcomes amongst hard-to-reach groups.