Higher education institutions reflect on REF performance.

Published (Updated )

Last December saw the long-awaited results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014, which assessed the quality of research at all UK higher education institutions. Several weeks on and universities across the country are reflecting on their performance and awaiting news of how those results will translate in to research funding.

In an interview with the Guardian this week, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Paul Curran spoke about City's REF2014 results, where 75% of research was rated as being world leading and internationally excellent. The results also showed a doubling of the proportion of research excellent staff in under three years to 40%.

With this solid foundation, City is looking to the future. In a recent message to staff the Vice-Chancellor wrote: "We have shown just what we can do and are now in an excellent position to discuss the next stage of our journey as a university. We will soon be starting to develop our next Strategic Plan (for 2016 to 2026) but in the meantime, our newfound academic strength enables us to consider making an application to join the University of London. Membership would bring many academic advantages to staff and students, signal clearly our new and stronger standing and reinforce our position among pre-1992 London higher education institutions."

Professor Richard Verrall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy & Planning) is leading discussions amongst the university community, seeking comments and feedback.


Read more about City's REF2014 results here.