The Research Excellence Framework (REF), the periodic, independent assessment of research undertaken across 157 UK’s universities, published its 2021 outcomes today (12 May 2022).
Overall, 82% of the GSA’s research was assessed to be world-leading and internationally excellent, a major improvement from the last REF (2014) furthering the GSA’s position as one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions in art and design.
75% of the GSA’s research outputs were ranked at the two top grades 4* (world-leading in originality, significance and rigour), and 3* (or internationally excellent) and, importantly, the significant impact of the research was also recognised, with 88% of the research impact judged to be world-leading and internationally excellent. This reflects the real world benefits GSA research has delivered.
Four case studies submitted by the GSA reflect the range of research being undertaken across the academic disciplines, often in collaboration with other disciplines and partners. They demonstrate how creative, practice-based and historical research can have an effect on, change or benefit the economy, government policy, culture, public services, health, the environment and wider society:
- Using Participatory and Co-design Processes to Improve User Experiences for Health and Care Services across Scotland (School of Design and Innovation School)
- Deepening Public Understanding of the Global Refugee Crisis through Curatorial and Arts Practice (School of Fine Art)
- Improving Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Standards in UK Housing (Mackintosh Environmental Architectural Research Unit, Mackintosh School of Architecture)
- Transforming the Commercial Marketing, Sales and Cultural Understanding of the Modern Shipping Industry through Design History (School of Design)
“REF 2021 has recognised the world-leading significance, and impact of research being undertaken at The Glasgow School of Art and the international standing of our academic community,:” says Professor Penny Macbeth, Director of The Glasgow School of Art.
“Art and Design research has a vital role to play in addressing key challenges that face society today. From ground-breaking innovations such as co-design in healthcare, architectural initiatives to improve the quality of housing and raising awareness of internationally important issues through fine art practice, our researchers are collaborative, work in partnership and importantly for a small specialist institution, continue to teach, enhancing the student experience of the world’s leading art schools.”
Ends
Further information:
GSA Research Stories: Professor Alastair S Macdonald. from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
GSA Research Stories: Professor Ross Birrell from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
GSA Research Stories: Professor Bruce Peter from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
GSA Research Stories: Janice Foster from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
Notes for Editors
- The REF provides a robust and thorough assessment of the quality of universities’ research in all disciplines, providing accountability for public investment in research and demonstrating the benefits of that investment.
- A vital element of REF is illustrating the benefits research delivers beyond academia, including how it brings tangible changes to aspects of society and life, and the public value it delivers.
- The results provide benchmarks and public information about the research performance of universities. The results will be used by the four UK higher education funding bodies to allocate research funding to universities – around £2 billion per year from 2022-23.
- In total, 157 UK universities participated, submitting over 76,000 academic staff.
- The REF was last conducted in 2014.