Dear Colleagues and Doctoral Researchers,

The outcome of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise that assesses the quality of research in all UK universities, has been published today. 

In short, Loughborough has done exceptionally well.

The results show that 91% of Loughborough’s research is now rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The share of the UK’s world leading 4* research that is performed at Loughborough has increased by 11%, one of the largest increases in the sector. 

This is an outstanding performance.

The results also underline the tangible benefits that our research brings to the world, with 94% of our research impact rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. This is another increase on our results from the last REF in 2014.

At discipline level all of our Schools have a significant proportion of their research rated as ‘world-leading’ and we performed particularly strongly in Architecture and the Built Environment, Communication and Media Studies, and Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Our research within the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering delivers zero-carbon, resilient buildings, infrastructure and cities in a world under pressure from rising urban populations, ageing infrastructure, resource constraints and multiple hazards. 

Our communications and media studies research in political communication, language and social interaction, media, memory and history engages with a world marked by a global pandemic, structural inequalities, and major challenges to liberal democracy. 

In Sport and Exercise Sciences, we advance sport science, from elite sport to mass participation, and directly influence policy and practice to address challenges in populations’ health and wellbeing, social inclusion and sport integrity.

Looking at the research impact indicator, we performed extremely well in Geography and Environmental Studies, Computer Science and Social Policy.

In Geography our research has pioneered new ways to enable developing countries to transition to low carbon energy, inspired charities, and influenced public policy and funding decisions. This includes championing the adoption of sustainable, reliable cooking solutions for four million people.

In Social Science and Humanities, our researchers’ work into the Minimum Income Standard, in conjunction with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has transformed understandings of what income people need as a minimum and continues to provide evidence to support fair approaches to helping those in greatest need.

When interpreting the REF results, another meaningful measure to consider is the volume of world-leading research in a Unit of Assessment. It shows the breadth of our research and reflects the emphasis we place on delivering research-informed teaching to ensure that our students are taught by academics who are breaking new ground in their disciplines.

Considering from this perspective, Loughborough has excellent results in Engineering, Business and Management Studies, and Art and Design, where there is a very significant volume of world-leading research.

An example of our research in engineering is our collaboration with Rolls-Royce, which has led to a fuel burn saving in the Trent XWB aeroengine that equates to a reduction of 70 million tonnes of CO2 per year. This partnership spanning over 50 years has led to the creation a global open-access centre of excellence delivering low-emissions technology for the aerospace sector.

Outputs in English were also very strong, and elsewhere good progress was made across Science and Social Sciences.

Many of you will have been involved in the REF and I want to thank you all, whatever your contribution has been. 

We should all be very proud of Loughborough’s REF results, which will provide us with a strong platform to build from as we move through the next phase of our development.

Professor Nick Jennings
Vice-Chancellor