Wolverhampton has world leading research

Research at the University of Wolverhampton has been commended and is at its highest ever level according to an assessment of all UK universities activity, published today.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) evaluates the quality and impact of research at UK universities across all disciplines.

It grades research from nationally recognised (1*) to world leading (4*) and is carried out every five years, with the last publication in 2008.

The University of Wolverhampton put forward more staff and more subject areas for REF 2014 than in the previous assessment and it demonstrated that all areas of research had world leading elements.

Among the areas to be classed as ‘world leading’ quality, was work by renowned Professor of Information Science Mike Thelwall and his team, whose work includes measuring the value of web pages (see case study).

Other areas of particular strength which were highlighted include health, history and modern languages research.

The results mark a significant improvement for the University on the last national analysis of research, the Research Assessment Exercise in 2008.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “This truly recognises the development of applied research at the University of Wolverhampton. It demonstrates the progress the University has made and its major contribution to the economic growth regionally, nationally and internationally.

“We are delighted that REF 2014 has highlighted and validated the world class work we do within the institution.

“Our research makes an impact with business, industry and society and our students will continue to benefit from high quality research-informed teaching.”

ENDS

Attachment: Professor Mike Thelwall case study

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date Issued: Wednesday 17 December 2014- Note this press release is under a nationally agreed embargo until 00:01 on Thursday 18 December 2014

Notes to editors

About REF 2014

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) replaced the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). It assessed the quality and impact of research submitted by UK universities across all disciplines. The results were published today, 18 December 2014, and will be used by the funding bodies to allocate block-grant research funding to universities to universities from 2015-16.

As well as informing funding allocations, the REF provides accountability for public investment in research, demonstrates its benefits, and provides important reputational yardsticks and benchmarking information about the research performance of UK universities.

About the University of Wolverhampton

• Based at campuses in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford and education centres in Stafford, Burton and Birmingham City Centre, the University has 23,000 students and 2,400 staff. In addition, the University of Wolverhampton Science Park is home to tenant businesses and supports the development of innovative companies
• The University welcomes students from around the world and has regional offices in China, Malaysia, India, Oman, Nigeria and Cyprus. It has a branch campus in Mauritius and courses are also delivered with global partners in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, France and Cyprus
• It is investing £50 million over the next two years to redevelop its campuses in Wolverhampton city centre. This includes a new £22 million Science facility and a new £18 million University of Wolverhampton Business School building.
• The institution’s excellent teaching and learning provision, which spans sciences, creative and performing arts, education, business and management, health and wellbeing, engineering and technology, law and social sciences, ensures 94% of graduates find employment