The power of research
12 May 2022
Celebrating research from across the school in Research Excellence Framework 2021.
The School of History, Archaeology and Religion has placed top five for research impact in Archaeology and in the top twenty for research power in History in the latest UK wide assessment of research excellence, conducted through the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Archaeology at Cardiff scored an overall GPA of 3.40, placing 9th in the UK. Here, Cardiff also places 5th for impact and 6th for research outputs. Over 90% of Cardiff research output in the Archaeology unit of assessment is deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.
History is 17th in the UK for research power - an indicator of the scale and quality of the submission, with 90% of the research environment considered conducive to producing world-leading or internationally excellent research.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 provide a national picture of world-leading research produced across the breadth of university activity. A vital element is illustrating the benefits research delivers beyond academia, including how it brings tangible changes to aspects of society and life, and the public value it delivers.
Head of School, Professor James Hegarty said:
“From community-based impact, such as increasing cultural participation and community value through the CAER Project, to wider-reaching impact through advancing understanding of organ transplantation among British Muslims, our interdisciplinary identity is reflected throughout our submission for History.
“In Archaeology, our influential research is saving metal heritage for future generations and creating a change in heritage practice, propelled by our pioneering work overturning understanding of prehistoric food, farming and feasting.
With one of the oldest archaeology departments in the UK and fresh from celebrating our centenary in 2020, we have an international reputation for excellence in archaeological science and field research, conservation, heritage practice and public engagement.”
Since REF 2014, the History unit of assessment has become the 11th largest in the panel. The school has broadened its expertise geographically and methodologically through the inclusion of research in religion and theology.
The University fosters an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research community and submitted 100% of eligible staff in REF2021 Archaeology and History Units of Assessments.
