REF 2021: University of Stirling research is making a difference globally

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “I am incredibly proud of the University's performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. When compared with the previous REF 2014 results, we have improved across all three pillars of assessment – research outputs, impact, and environment – key markers of excellence which demonstrate the progress we have made over the last seven years.

“This important independent recognition underlines our commitment to use our innovative and interdisciplinary research to address the needs of society and reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff who ensure purpose and impact is at the centre of everything we do.

“As we look to the future, we will continue to build on the progress we have made. Excellent opportunities lie ahead for the University, including those presented by the multi-million-pound investment in economic and social improvement, based on University-led research, enabled through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.”

REF 2021 results

The REF is conducted every six to seven years to assess the quality of research across UK universities; show the quality and output of research domestically and globally; and illustrate the impact research has on the academic environment and our society, and its real-world benefits. The process – which assesses research outputs, impact, and environment – is jointly conducted by the four UK higher education funding bodies, including the Scottish Funding Council, and informs the allocation of around £2 billion of research funding each year.

Having improved in each of the three pillars of assessment between 2014 and 2021, Stirling experienced an overall increase in the proportion of research considered either world leading or internationally excellent (71.9% in 2014 to 80.74% in 2021). The percentage of university research deemed as having outstanding or very considerable impact – the top ratings within that category – was 87.05%, up from 82.6% in 2014.

The research environment – incorporating strategy, culture, facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration – also improved across the period, scoring 85% (up from 78.1% in 2014).

 Professor Judith Phillips, Deputy Principal (Research), welcomed the REF results.

Key areas of strength

The University's Institute of Aquaculture ranked 1^st in the UK, in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, for impact – with 100% of its research having outstanding impact, the highest possible rating.

Similarly, all research (100%) from Biological and Environmental Sciences was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact – ranking it joint 12^th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Studies.

Social Sciences also performed well – ranking 3^rd in Scotland and 23^rd in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy – with 88% of its research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

Notably, the University is set to further build on its success in these three areas, with the creation of the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub, through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Other highlights include:

• Education: top 20 in the UK for impact and research environment
• History: 15^th in the UK for impact, 3^rd in Scotland for outputs and impact
• Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism: 1^st in Scotland for outputs
• Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information: 2^nd in Scotland overall
• Philosophy: joint 1^st in Scotland for impact
• Psychology: 2^nd in Scotland for impact

Professor Judith Phillips, Deputy Principal (Research) at the University of Stirling, said: “I am delighted that the University's collaborative and interdisciplinary research has been recognised in the latest REF assessment.

“At Stirling, we understand that research is a collaborative endeavour, and that all of our staff and students contribute to our research culture and environment.

“Our REF outcome reflects the contribution made by our entire community and partners.”

The University's Chair of Court, Harry Adam, spoke of his "great pride" in Stirling research.

Harry Adam, Chair of University Court, said: “On behalf of University Court, I send our congratulations to the University of Stirling research community on the positive REF results.

“It is with great pride that we continue to see Stirling research make a difference around the world.”

For more information, please visit our REF 2021 and research webpages.