Research Excellence Framework 2021 results

The School of Engineering has 96% of its overall REF 2021 submission recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent, securing a position in the top quartile of best performing institutions in the UK.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality of research in the UK Higher Education sector, assuring us of the standards we strive for.

The results of REF 2021 show that our research has had a positive impact on solving modern problems and improving quality of life. This is reflected in our GPA score of 3.35 with 96% of our overall submission considered world-leading or internationally excellent. This result sees us placed in the top quartile of best performing institutions in the UK.

Our success since the last REF submission in 2014 is reflected in significant cross-disciplinary and collaborative expansion, new appointments and major investments in facilities and infrastructure, as well as our commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research community. Reflective of this, we submitted 100% of our eligible staff to the Engineering Unit of Assessment.

Professor Jianzhong Wu said: “I am grateful to all members of staff for the hard work which has made our REF results possible. The quality of our research is clear, with 96% of our submitted research considered world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour. It is also of note that we chose to enter all eligible staff, which reflects our research-intensive ethos and the role this plays across our diverse research communities.”

“These outstanding results, coupled with current major successes in attracting research funding, reflect well on our research excellence as well as on the future strength of our position as a global, research intense institution. We have a clear strategy to build on for the next REF, advancing our existing research expertise with a focus on our priority research areas.”

He added: “It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to work with so many talented research staff and students on challenging and exciting energy-related projects, which have the potential to transform the quality of life for so many people. On behalf of the School, I would also like to thank our professional services and teaching staff for their support and the Industrial Advisory Board for their guidance in helping us attain this achievement.”

To find out more about the innovative research undertaken at the School of Engineering, please read our impact case studies and visit the School website.

Full information about the Cardiff University REF 2021 submission is available on the University's research pages.