Aberdeen University’s excellence in research recognised
Every five years the quality of research in British universities is reviewed and the results are used by higher education funding bodies to distribute public funds for research, the results of which are released today (Friday, December 14).
They have proved a triumph for the University of Aberdeen. The exceptional research achievements of 10 of the University’s departments were highlighted when each received the high rating of 5, as internationally distinguished.
Principal C Duncan Rice said it was a welcome achievement for the University: “Aberdeen has five times as many units at 5, ranked as internationally important, as it did five years ago. This is a recognition of the increase in research quality at Aberdeen which has been a key feature of our strategy. Over the same period the University’s volume of externally funded research has risen from £14 million to £35 million.“
The 5 rated groups, five times as many as five years ago, are: community-based clinical subjects; physiology; biological sciences; plant and soil science; pure mathematics; town and country planning; law; sociology; divinity and religious studies. In addition, Aberdeen has achieved the special distinction of 5* in the Department of French and in four sub disciplines.
Nineteen departments – double the number from five years ago - received a 4 rating, which is the rank to which staff who are either nationally or internationally ranked are assigned.
This means that 85% of Aberdeen’s staff are working in departments or research groups that are recognised as centres of national and international excellence. This will benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University, who will be taught by internationally recognised researchers at the cutting edge in their fields of expertise.
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation, said: “We have achieved excellent ratings across four faculties, which demonstrates our excellence in Medicine & Medical Sciences, Science & Engineering, Arts & Divinity, and Social Sciences & Law.
“This is not just good news for students, but will have benefits to the local and national economy as much of the research which has gained in quality through our external funding will turn into commercially viable ideas.”
Professor Stephen D Logan, Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences is pleased at the research ratings in Medicine & Medical Sciences. He said: “The work being conducted within the medical field is a perfect example of how the research capability of Scottish universities will address the long-term needs of society. I am particularly delighted with the 5* rating for the work in Immunology, and would like to congratulate the researchers for the excellent standard of work being undertaken in that field.”
Professor Peter Sloane, who co-ordinated the RAE submissions, said: “The RAE results show that Aberdeen is an internationally distinguished, research-led institution and we have a committed team of active researchers in many wide-ranging subjects.”
Professor Celia Britton, Department of French, was also delighted with the news. She said: “The French Department is proud of what we have achieved and we have shown that is possible for a small department to produce research that is nationally and internationally recognised. We look forward to carrying on the good work.”
The results of Aberdeen’s 2001 Research Assessment Exercise are printed at the end of this press release.
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272014 Fax: (01224) 272086.
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.