Ninety-two per cent (92%) of șĂÉ«tv research submitted to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 has achieved the two highest classifications of ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ according to the results released today (Thursday 12 May 2022).

In addition, 90% of the University’s research outputs (e.g. journal articles, books and patents) was rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for its reach and significance. In terms of having an environment that supports research, 98% of our submitted research activity was graded as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor and President of the șĂÉ«tv, said: “My sincere congratulations and thanks go to all colleagues who have contributed so much to this REF process.

“It is wonderful to see so much of our research ranked so highly, and particularly heartening to see the quality of our research outputs and our supportive research environment recognised.

“Looking ahead, we will be building on the investments we have made since the last REF period. With our new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), School of Management Building, new Centres and our Bath Beacons in priority areas including digital, health and wellbeing, and sustainability, I look forward to achieving our ambitious vision for research, innovation and enterprise.”

The 2021 results for șĂÉ«tv are an improvement on 2014’s REF, with the 92% overall rating of research activity as either ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, representing a five percentage point increase on 2014’s 87%.

In terms of the impact of the University’s research beyond academia, 93% of the submission also achieved the highest two classifications – with Bath research achieving impact across six continents.

Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), at the șĂÉ«tv, said: “I’m really pleased to see such a strong performance in the REF 2021 exercise and want to congratulate our entire research community. I was also pleased to see the substantial role that the work of early career academics played in our REF submission, and the significant increase in our research involving international partnerships.

“This is an important and exciting time for research at the șĂÉ«tv. I am looking forward to working with colleagues to grow international collaboration and to drive research quality, achievement and impact as we continue to tackle some of the most pressing challenges we face today.”