The impact of all of NRI’s research submitted to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework in 2014 (REF2014) has been graded as internationally excellent or better.
The Research Framework Excellence assesses the quality of research in the UK’s higher education institutions and this type of assessment is carried out every six years. Subject-based 'Units of Assessment' (UoAs) were evaluated according to three elements – the quality of research publications (outputs), the impact resulting from research, and the quality of the organisation’s research environment. Submissions were assessed by peers and scored according to four categories: 4* – world leading; 3* – internationally excellent; 2* – internationally recognised; 1* – nationally recognised.
NRI made submissions to two UoAs ‘Agriculture, Veterinary & Food Science’ and ‘Anthropology and Development Studies’ and the results were published on 18th December. The assessment of impact was based on the evaluation of five case studies across two units of assessment.
NRI Director, Andrew Westby, said, “NRI undertakes research and development activities that aim to improve livelihoods of poor people in developing countries. I am delighted that our peers have recognised the internationally excellent impact that has resulted research carried out by colleagues across the Institute.”
Within the Agriculture, Veterinary & Food Science UoA, a 4* impact rating was given for 90% of NRI’s work. This places it third among all universities in the country in this UoA.
NRI's performance in REF2014 echoes the institute's tagline – using 'knowledge to feed the world' – and confirms our commitment to supporting global food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction.
More details of NRI’s impact case studies submitted to REF2014 will be provided in the New Year.
Links: University of Greenwich press release | More on the REF