The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, published today (Thursday, May 12), show the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is producing world-leading and internationally excellent research.
Key UWTSD outcomes from REF2021 include:
- UWTSD is rated 4th in Wales for impact, with 74% of the University’s research judged as delivering outstanding and very considerable impacts for society, culture, and industry.
- 49% of research is graded 4* (world-leading) or 3* (internationally excellent), from the areas of Art and Design, Education, Celtic Languages and Literature, Theology and Religious Studies, and Psychology.
- 100% of research submitted for Celtic Languages and Literature was graded 4* (outstanding) or 3* (very considerable) for its impact.
- 75% of research submitted for Education was graded 4* (outstanding) or 3* (very considerable) for its impact on educational policy and practice in Wales and internationally.
One of the key developments for the University in REF2021 is that Education was submitted for assessment for the first time. As one of only three Education submissions in Wales, it highlights how research being undertaken by the University is contributing to the development and debate of education policy in Wales and in particular the new Welsh curriculum.
Weighted averages are calculated by multiplying the percentage at each quality level for a UoA or institution by the number of staff submitted in that UoA or institution. This provides an FTE weighted value for each UoA or institution. For each quality level, the weighted values are then summed over the UoA or institution to give a weighted grade total. The weighted grade total is then divided by the total FTE for the UoA or institution to give the average.
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD, said: “I welcome the publication of the 2021 REF results which demonstrate the international and world-leading impact of the University’s research. The results reflect the University’s commitment to building strong research partnerships to promote diversity and inclusion across Wales and internationally. Research conducted at the University is shaping policy change leading to the creation of new opportunities for future generations to thrive.
“This year is an exciting one for us as we celebrate our bicentenary. We take great pride in our history and our connection to it, particularly in the way that it has provided us with the determination and confidence to shape our own future as well helping to shape the lives of individuals and communities connected to the University.”
Jointly conducted by the four UK higher education funding bodies, in 2021, REF – the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions – required universities to submit all staff with significant responsibility for research, in 34 Units of Assessment (UOAs).
