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UCL rated UK number 1 for research strength – REF 2014
By Elvira Bramon, on 19 December 2014
Message from Glyn Lewis, Director of the Division of Psychiatry
Dear All
You will have heard that UCL has done exceptionally well in the REF and finally broken the domination of Oxbridge that have until now always claimed the first two positions in those league tables.
In our own area we have also done exceptionally well and are now indisputably the leading university for Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience in terms of “research power” – the combination of quality and quantity. This reflects the excellence of the work done here over the last 6 years. The REF result was for 286 people, almost all the Faculty of Brain Sciences that include our Division.
It is important to remember that the REF submission is not just about the more senior academics that were individually submitted. To produce world class research requires outstanding contributions from all the people involved in the research, including those employed by grants and the support staff. Outstanding REF results come from outstanding teamwork. We have an excellent culture within the division that encourages advice, debate and support. We should also celebrate this as it has contributed to our success. I was particularly pleased that the REF panel gave the academic environment here the highest rating.
As important as the overall result is the improvement since the last assessment in 2008. The trajectory, in the jargon, is upwards. We are becoming the destination of choice for ambitious young scientists as they can see the exciting opportunities within the Division of Psychiatry and our Faculty.
Congratulations to you all for the REF results. Please enjoy your break over the holidays.
Season’s greetings
Glyn Lewis
Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology
