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University trumpets its new international status
INTERNATIONALLY excellent and even 'world class' research is being conducted by the University of Derby, according to a national educational body.
Research activity at 159 UK universities has been assessed and graded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and the results now made public. The rating of past research projects affects how much funding a university gets for future ones, with the next HEFCE allocations to be announced in March, 2009.
The University of Derby had submitted four 'units' – the work of groups of researchers – to HEFCE for assessment in the areas of Biological Sciences, Psychology, Art and Design; and Communication, Cultural and Media Studies.
Each of the 47 Derby researchers involved had four projects assessed, which had to have been published by December 2007.
Well over half of the University's research activity was ranked by HEFCE as of 'international excellence' and some even as 'world class'. The result is a significant leap forward on the last time the University's research was assessed by HEFCE, in 2001.
For each of the four Derby 'units' assessed, different aspects of the research were graded from high to low; with 4* (four star) being the highest and 'unclassified' the lowest. (4* is ranked as 'world class', between 4* and 2* of 'international excellence' and 1* 'national excellence').
The results for Derby were that in –
Communication, Cultural and Media Studies – 25% of the research activity was ranked as being world class and 60% of international excellence
Art and Design – 5% world class and 65% of international excellence
Psychology – 55% of international excellence
Biological Sciences – 50% of international excellence.
Examples of the types of research the University of Derby was assessed on can be found in its 2008 Research Review. It is sent to stakeholders, and research assessors and influencers.
A copy can be viewed online at web page: www.derby.ac.uk/research-review.
Professor Michael Gunn, Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning, Teaching and Scholarship, said a direct comparison between the University of Derby's 2001 research assessment by HEFCE and the latest one could not be made, because of differences in the way they were conducted.
He added: "What we do know, however, is that today more than 50% of our research activity overall has been classed as of 'international excellence'. In 2001, very little of it would have achieved that classification.
"We're delighted with the University's results from this latest research assessment exercise. The research we do here is all designed to enhance the teaching given to students."
Professor Paul Bridges, Head of Research at the University, added: "We will await with interest how this will translate into research funding allocations, when HEFCE makes its announcement on them next Spring."
HEFCE – which promotes and funds high-quality, cost-effective teaching and research – does not produce a 'league table' style ranking of universities, based on their individual research assessment exercise results.
Various media outlets do and in the Times Higher Education supplement's rankings the University of Derby has moved up from 127th place in 2001 to 96th this year.
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