RAE 2008 Results: Top 5 for world leading research
Research in the Graduate School of Education is ranked as fifth best in the UK. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise rates 90 per cent of research as of international quality, with 20 per cent being awarded the highest accolade of ‘world leading’ and given 4 stars.
The Research Assessment Exercise results confirm the contribution of our educational research, both internationally and nationally. We are proud that our research makes a difference to theory, policy and practice in education and has an international impact. This is an outstanding result for the school.”
Professor Debra Myhill, Head of School
Exeter was one of 159 higher education institutions submitted to the RAE which measures the quality of research across the higher education sector. RAE expert panels assessed more than 200,000 pieces of work from 52,500 staff. The results will be used to distribute £1.5 billion a year worth of research funding to UK universities from Aug
ust 2009.
Since the last RAE in 2001 Exeter has shown significant improvements in:
- The amount of internationally-rated research: more than 90 per cent is now internationally rated compared to 57 per cent in 2001.
- The number of staff submitted: Exeter submitted 636 staff compared to 457 in 2001. Some 95 per cent of staff were submitted which is amongst the highest in the sector.
- The proportion of research in the very highest 4* category: now 17 per cent compared to two per cent in 2001.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter Professor Steve Smith said: ‘These results show a significant improvement since 2001. Particularly pleasing is the increase in the amount of 4* rated research. We have achieved our targets in terms of research outputs and we will be looking to build on this result as we go forward.’
The RAE rates research across a five point scale ranging from ungraded to 4*. The higher the grade the more research funding is achieved. Grades 2*, 3* and 4* denote ascending grades of international research quality. 34 per cent of research at Exeter falls into 2*, 39 per cent at 3* and 17 per cent at 4*.