World-leading sociological research recognised

The outstanding quality and impact of Cardiff University's sociology research has been recognised in a national assessment that has ranked the University third in the UK in this area of research.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) which is published today (18 December 2014) assesses the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

The results endorse the innovative, interdisciplinary research undertaken at the School of Social Sciences and the positive impact it has on people's lives, with 80 percent of its research judged as 'outstanding' for its cultural, social or economic impact.

Professor Amanda Coffey, Head of the School of Social Sciences, said: "The School is delighted to have its sociological research recognised in this way. We are extremely proud of our research record and of the ways in which our research has been judged as having a high impact."

Among its research impacts is pioneering research by the Universities' Police Science Institute (UPSI), based at the School, which has made police more effective at understanding and responding to crime and disorder. Its work has changed Home Office policy for the policing of antisocial behaviour across England and Wales and informed the Prevent counter-terrorism strategy for the UK and overseas.

The School of Social Sciences is committed to the promotion of public and policy sociology, informed by extensive external collaboration and engagement.

In recent years, the School's vibrant research culture has continued to grow. It has built a sustainable mass of more than 200 staff across a range of disciplines, and has been awarded 236 research grants of £38M during the assessment period.

This level of funding frames and supports the School's successful and diverse publication, impact, and engagement activities.