Glasgow Caledonian University delivering world-leading health research with outstanding impact
Glasgow Caledonian University’s global reputation as a world-leading provider of health research with real-world impact has been driven home in the latest UK Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) published today.
A staggering 91% of the University’s health research has been formally classified as world-leading or internationally excellent, and more than 80% classified as outstanding for its impact, a result surpassed by only one other University in the UK.
The proportion of the University's research overall that is considered to be world-leading or internationally excellent was 72%, a figure unsurpassed by any other Scottish modern university.
The results follow GCU health researchers receiving a top international impact award in April for world-leading HIV and hepatitis C prevention research in people who inject drugs. The University’s research has also helped Scotland become one of the first countries in the world to provide a successful HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis service.
The University’s outstanding record for delivering impact for the Common Good in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was further highlighted in the recent THE Global Impact Rankings with GCU first in the UK and fourth globally for promoting gender equality, 21st in the world for reduced inequality, and first in Scotland for good health and wellbeing.
GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, FRSE said: “These excellent research results demonstrate that, not only is the University delivering world-class research, it is doing so with impact, and clearly delivering its mission for the common good.
“I was especially delighted to note the University’s success in delivering the highest quality health-related research which not only advances our knowledge and health-related practice, but seeks to improve quality of life, reduce health inequalities and promote health and wellbeing.
“All those at the University who are conducting and supporting our research should be congratulated for their commitment to excellence with impact.”
According to analysis of the REF2021 results published by the Times Higher Education today, GCU’s nursing and allied health research moved up 26 places to joint 14th in the UK and fourth in Scotland.
The hugely important REF2021 results – used by government bodies to allocate research funding – evaluate research according to criteria such as originality, significance, rigour, reach, vitality, sustainability and real-life impact.