REF 2014, the system used to assess the quality and impact of research conducted by all UK universities, released its results today (Thursday 18 December). It classified almost half of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent – the highest rating possible.

The University doubled its proportion of world leading research even though it submitted research from almost three times the number of staff compared to the 2008 assessment.

Those areas receiving the highest classification are: Health; Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences; Computer Science and Informatics; Business and Management; Law; Social Work and Social Policy; Education; Sport and Exercise Science, Leisure and Tourism; English Language and Literature; Music, Drama and Performing Arts; and Communication, Cultural and Media.

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor at the University said: “2014 has been a fantastic year for research at the University of Bedfordshire.

“We opened the year with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our pioneering research in the area of social work and social care. That together with the recognition we received today is a great way to end the year, where we have doubled our proportion of world leading research."

Bedfordshire has a growing reputation for carrying out world-leading, high quality research. Much of its research has a direct economic as well as a social benefit to the country. “Today’s report by REF,” said the Vice Chancellor, “recognises that role.”

Healthcare technology and policy, the protection of vulnerable children, and language learning and assessment are all areas where the University is carrying out cutting edge research.

Mr Rammell said: “We are committed to undertaking research that has a societal impact. If you look at our areas of research excellence; they have all had an impact on both society and its communities.

“We are also passionate about research-informed teaching. The experience we offer our students is supported by the knowledge and expertise of academics who research at the very top of their subject fields. That’s what a high-quality university education is all about.”

Mr Rammell pointed to recent research carried out by the University:

• Health - research focuses on responding to the challenges of improving the health and wellbeing of local communities and the global population, such as organ donation and Parkinson’s disease
• Social Work and Social Policy - ground-breaking research in critical areas of social policy and social work such as child sexual exploitation or substance misuse
• English Language and Literature – the University has the largest specialist university research centre in language assessment in the UK. Its research has major impact on international test providers, allowing them to clarify the proficiency levels underpinning their English language test.

Other research has included work to develop assistive robots to support the everyday lives of senior citizens, as well as analysing data to identify individual reactions to treatments and lifestyles with a real life application in personalised treatment plans for cancer, heart failure and osteoporosis patients

154 UK universities took part in REF 2014. It assessed the quality and impact of research and will be used by the four higher education funding bodies to allocate about £2 billion per year of research funding to UK universities.