City 's universities recognised for 'world-leading' research
Two of Birmingham 's flagship universities, Birmingham City University and Aston University, have been recognised as 'world-leading ' institutions for their ground-breaking research projects.
BCU and Aston University are two of 157 UK universities to have taken part in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) - an independent review assessing the excellence of research in higher education.
Both Universities are also patrons of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
Four UK higher education funding bodies use the REF to inform the allocation of around £2 billion of research funding per year.
BCU 's REF2021 submission involved research carried out by 310 individual staff members including 56 early career researchers - more than double the number (151 individuals) submitted to the last REF which took place in 2014.
It included research that has informed the first UK guidance for endometriosis treatment, projects helping Indonesia to transform waste to clean energy, and expertise that has redefined Islamophobia and influenced anti-Muslim hate crime policy in Britain.
BCU 's REF2021 submission was driven by £16million of funding and included 34 research impact case studies - nine more than in 2014.
All of BCU 's English Language and Literature research, as well as research in applied health, was rated the highest level of 4 stars for impact - with research outputs judged world-leading or internationally excellent.
According to the review, research by BCU had become 'bigger, better and broader '.
Professor Philip Plowden, Birmingham City University vice-chancellor, said: “We are proud of our research, which is achieved through inquisitive study, sharing our knowledge, learning from others, and harnessing and developing important partnerships with collaborators.
“As a University that prides itself on producing graduates who are powering the front line of public services including the health profession, it is particularly heartening to see our research in applied health is having a true impact and ensuring our students are being taught by leading experts.
“While we always strive to improve and will not rest on our laurels as we look to the next REF, I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and ongoing commitment to deliver research which provides tangible benefits to the city and beyond. ”
Aston University took a highly inclusive approach to its REF return, making a 100 per cent submission of eligible staff across seven REF assessment units and more than doubling its 'research power ' since REF 2014. Research power is calculated by the overall quality of the submission (the 'grade point average') multiplied by the full-time equivalent number of researchers submitted.
The number of Aston University staff being submitted for assessment has doubled since the last REF in 2014 and, over the same period, the University has increased the proportion of its highest rated 4* publications from 21 per cent in 2014 to 29 per cent in 2021.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 has rated 79 per cent of Aston University research as 'world leading ' (4*) or 'internationally excellent ' (3*).
In addition, 74 per cent of the impact of the University 's research has been rated “very considerable ” or “outstanding ” for reach and significance.
Professor Simon Green, pro-vice-chancellor (Research) at Aston University, said: “We have significantly grown the number of our academic staff undertaking high quality research. In fact, the number of staff we submitted in 2021 more than doubled compared to 2014.
“Importantly, almost four-fifths of our research is either 'world leading ' or 'internationally excellent '. The fact that we have achieved this major growth in the volume of research submitted while also maintaining the quality of our research is no mean feat.
“This reflects the passion and commitment of our researchers - as well as those who provide them with professional support - to fulfil our mission to generate research that makes a difference to people, organisations and economies. ”
Pictured: Birmingham City University (BCU)