The latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), a major exercise that evaluates the quality and the broader impact of research in all universities in the UK, has concluded that the University of Birmingham is one of the best universities in the country.
The very best work is scored at 4* by review panels and, on this basis, the University is ranked equal 10th in the UK amongst Russell Group universities and equal 13th in the UK according to the Times Higher Education. This result is testament both to the quality of the University’s research community and its substantial investment in people and facilities.
The University has 15 areas ranked in the top ten in the UK for 4*, including Physics, which was ranked in first place, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism, Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care, Social Work and Social Policy, Engineering, and Law.
Professor Heather Widdows, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer), reflected on the results on the day the results were announced, in the video below.