RAE2008: Physics & Astronomy rank joint second in UK

All in the School of Physics & Astronomy were delighted to see many years of hard work by many people recognised by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. 

25% of our work was ranked 4*, i.e. 'internationally agenda-setting'.  This percentage was achieved by only four physics departments across the UK. 

Overall we ranked equal second with Cambridge and Nottingham, just behind Lancaster, who we congratulate. 

Our Head of School, Prof Steve Lee said "We see this excellent and welcome result as a platform for consolidation and growth, and will strive not to rest on our laurels but to press on with our part of the ambitious research strategy that we have formulated in collaboration with our partners in the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)."

• Research in Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews
• University Press Release
• Physics World Magazine Comment
• RAE Physics (including astrophysics) National Statistics

First posted BDS 18.12.08

updated 21.12.08 with Physics World link