The Department of Psychology has had 87% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, published yesterday.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment is undertaken every seven years and looks at the quality of research across UK universities while demonstrating the output of research on a domestic and global stage. The REF also shows the impact research has on the academic environment and society, while highlighting its real-world benefits.

Head of Department, Kate Cain, said: "The Department of Psychology is delighted with our performance in REF2021, rising 7 places in the rankings to position 29 in UoA4, Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience. 87% of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, and a particular highlight was our strong performance for the impact of our research in security, health, and education, placing us 17th. "

The four UK higher education funding bodies use the REF, managed by a team based at Research England, and a steering group from the four funding bodies, to help guide the allocation of £2 billion of research funding per year. The REF review is designed to show public investment in research has defined benefits and impact.

Professor Peter Atkinson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, said: “I am delighted to see the Faculty’s research has been judged to be of such high quality by the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

“Each of the seven departments assessed has followed its strategic plan for research over the last six years and this has seen them keep pace with sector increases in research quality, and in many cases forge ahead of them.

“The fact that so much of the Faculty’s research has been judged world-leading or internationally excellent means students looking at joining us here in Lancaster can be assured that they are learning from some of the very best people in their respective fields.

“The Research Excellence Framework was brought in to reassure the public that the money invested into research has genuine real-world benefits so I am really pleased with the strength of the results around our research impact.

“For ourselves, this assessment provides assurance that the quality of research in the Faculty continues to be excellent and confirms we have a superb platform upon which to build towards future research success.”