The School of Computing and Communications (SCC) at Lancaster University has ranked 14th in the UK for research power according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, published today.

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.

The Department was also successful in its overall research rating, with 94% of research rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).

Head of Department, Nigel Davies, said: "We are delighted with the REF2021 outcome that clearly highlights the strength and depth of SCC’s research. Ranked 14th in the UK for research power and with 55% of our research rated world-leading, this is a great testament to the activities taking place within the School."

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.”