Birmingham is ranked equal 10th amongst Russell Group universities and equal 13th in the whole UK for Grade Point Average.
More than a hundred research projects from across the University have been recognised in a major independent assessment for the life-changing benefits they are delivering for individuals, communities and our planet.
The latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) has concluded that Birmingham is one of the best universities in the UK for its research. More than half of Birmingham’s research has been recognised as world-leading, with the highest possible score of 4*.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell says: 'These results reflect many years of hard work by outstanding researchers working at the forefront of their disciplines across the University and our clear focus on producing highly impactful research.
'The results also reflect the strong partnerships we have with industry, health and cultural sectors, working together to deliver solutions for people’s lives, society and our planet.'
What is the REF?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a major exercise that evaluates the quality and the broader impact of research in all UK universities every six years. Independent expert panels assess the quality of research outputs, the impact beyond academia and the environment that supports research. The very best work is scored at 4*, deemed world-leading.
Outgoing Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Heather Widdows, says: 'Universities have a vital role to play in bringing diverse people and organisations together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing individuals, society and the planet, and together we are celebrating the quality and impact of research in universities across the UK. I am exceptionally proud and delighted that the breadth and dynamism of our research and its impact has been recognised by the assessment panels.'
The difference we make: highlights from four areas of research included in the REF
1: Transforming health
Example: Understanding infectious diseases in real time, including COVID-19.A team led by Professor Nick Loman transformed the management of infectious diseases. During the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, their genome sequencing approach shortened the length of the epidemic, reducing mortality and economic loss. For COVID-19, the team's work led to changes in policy and practice in the World Health Organization, improving rapid sharing of sequence data that proved critical in identifying variants and influenced containment policies in the UK.
2: Tackling inequalities
Example: Transforming how mainstream schools teach and support children with autism. Professor Karen Guldberg's team are empowering teachers to see autistic children and young people as having different and distinct learning needs, setting the standard for best practice across the UK. This includes the development of eight principles of good autism practice for schools, improved training for teachers and challenging conventional medical conceptions of autism in Italy and Greece, shifting perceptions and narratives from autism as a 'disorder' to a 'different way of being'.
3: Driving innovation
Example: Bringing quantum technology from UK labs to global industries.Professor Kai Bongs and his team are sharing their breakthroughs in quantum technology, which can measure time and gravity with ultra-precision. Their research is supporting the creation of quantum clocks that improve navigation and GPS systems, technology that can keep perfect time across aerospace, and gravity sensors that can sense objects just by their gravitational field – even the exact location of a waterpipe leak underground. Their work is supporting dozens of companies and generating new jobs.
4: Sustainability
Example: Using the science to make real policy changes that deliver cleaner air. Research led by Professor Roy Harrison OBE has shaped the global policy debate around air quality, leading to changes in legislation, guidelines and practices. In the UK, this work has underpinned new regulations on wood burning, the emission of ammonia from farming and the development of new standards for tyres and brakes to reduce toxic emissions. Our work also underpins the latest railway guidance which has reduced the amount of pollutants train travellers are exposed to.
Watch our researchers bring their work to life through our Bringing Birmingham To You events or email us to sign up for future events.
Find all the medals throughout the autumn 2022 edition of Old Joe to enter our Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games competition.