UoA 5 Biological Sciences
We achieved an overall GPA of 3.30 with 88% of our research activity classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. We were 8th in the UK for Research Power (an indicator of the scale and quality of our submission). Our supportive environment and culture of research excellence are deeply embedded and demonstrated by an environment score of 3.50.
Our impact position of 7th in the UK reflects the vital role our researchers play in tackling the world’s greatest challenges. Examples of this include the protection of endangered species, the management of healthy freshwater ecosystems, and the improved detection, monitoring and treatment of HIV, Influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
We foster an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research community. Reflective of this, we submitted 100% of our eligible staff to this Unit of Assessment.
Our results
| Quality level | 4 star % | 3 star % | 2 star % | 1 star % | Unclassified % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 42.0 | 46.0 | 12.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Outputs | 30.8 | 49.4 | 19.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Impact | 64.3 | 35.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Environment | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Our research environment
The School of Biosciences is a vibrant centre for biological research, driven by its inclusive and supportive research community.
Since REF 2014 there has been considerable investment in the School including:
- creation and leadership of the new University Water Research Institute (WRI) and Medicines Discovery Institute (MDI) and greater networking with existing research institutes in Cancer, Neurosciences and Sustainability
- investment and growth in existing Centres of Excellence including the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute (ECSCRI) and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), and enhancing involvement in the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Sustainable Places Research Institute (PLACE), and Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre
- the establishment of academic-led Technology Hubs to ensure access to state-of-the-art technological resources, equipment and collaborative expertise which has driven training, outputs, and impacts
- further investment in creating an inclusive research environment, recognised by an Athena Scientific Women Academic Network (SWAN) Silver Award in 2016 and retained in 2020
During the REF 2021 period, total grant income averaged £11.8 million per annum, a 25% increase over the £9.4 million average per annum for REF 2014. Since REF 2014, the School of Biosciences has recruited 21 new staff (57% female), attracted 12 Fellows, and mentored eight early career Fellows to permanent core-funded academic appointments. These have included 17 (47% female).
In addition, the School of Biosciences has created a thriving culture for postgraduate education with students drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds and supported by multiple funding sources. Over the REF 2021 period, 468 postgraduate research students have received training, a substantial increase over the 192 postgraduates supported within the REF 2014 period.
Discover our research
Our research is organised into 4 divisions which seek to deliver new solutions for major global challenges which will have a real impact on society and the environment.
