Research Excellence Framework 2021

Research with Impact

79% of our research judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading

Grown our share of sector research power by nearly 50%

History placed first in the UK for the ratio of four-star outputs

87% of research impact for Computer Science rated world-leading

Results from the most recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF), which is a system for measuring research excellence in higher education institutions in the UK, have revealed that more than three quarters (79%) of Lincoln’s research was judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading (three and four star).

We have seen an improvement in our overall quality scores, with the strongest advancements made in ratings for the impact our research has on society. We have also achieved significant improvement across the board in our 'research power', which is a key measure of the influence of our research in the UK, growing our share of overall sector research power by nearly 50 per cent.

Growing Our Reputation

The results from the latest REF demonstrate the depth and breadth of research now embedded in academic disciplines across the University of Lincoln, consolidating our reputation nationally and internationally for the quality, value, and diversity of the research we undertake.

The University of Lincoln logo on the side of a large building on campus

REF Success Highlights

The University achieved a number of notable successes in its REF submissions, including:

  • History, where 65 per cent of our research publications were rated world-leading (four star) – placing us first in the UK for the ratio of four-star outputs out of 80 institutions submitting in this Unit of Assessment;
  • Social Policy, where 53 per cent of our research publications were rated world-leading (four star) – placing us third in the UK for the ratio of four-star outputs out of 76 institutions submitting in this Unit of Assessment;
  • Computer Science, where 87 per cent of our research impact was rated world-leading (four star) – placing us ninth in the UK for the ratio of four-star impact out of 90 institutions submitting in this Unit of Assessment;
  • Allied Health Professions, History, and Psychology, in each of which 67 per cent of our impact was rated as world-leading (four star);
  • Chemistry, where in its first submission at Lincoln, 39 per cent of the research publications were rated as world-leading (four star);
  • In Business our research power has more than trebled.

REF Impact Case Studies

Many examples of the impact of our research are showcased in our submission to REF 2021, covering 22 different subject areas, and demonstrating the breadth of our research across society, culture, the environment, the economy, and beyond.

Read the Case Studies