Research Excellence Framework 2021
Over 96% of research carried out by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews is world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) published today (Thursday 12 May). SEES Head of School Prof. Richard White said “With more than two thirds of our papers graded as being of “quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour” our School has built a reputation for research that is truly outstanding”.
The REF – a detailed analysis of the research strengths of all UK universities – found that St Andrews excelled in a number of key research areas – including Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. In their first independent evaluation, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences ranks overall the best in Scotland and within the top 10 in the UK for Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, according to REF 2021 data. Prof. Richard White adds: “The school is incredibly proud of our performance, which is a testament to the calibre of research done here. Much credit has to go to the team of Tony Prave, Richard Bates and Tim Raub who worked tirelessly on the submission”.
St Andrews Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE said: “The overall quality of our research has increased significantly since the last REF in 2014, we have cause to celebrate the achievements of several of our Schools whose research is rated amongst the best in the UK, and the fact that over 88% of the research we produce in this small corner of Fife has been held to be world-leading or internationally excellent is a remarkable achievement.”
Onwards and upwards!
Full details of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 will be available via https://www.ref.ac.uk/
University of St Andrews REF 2021 results are available at: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/showcase/excellence/ref-2021/