REF 2014: Ocean Sciences sailing high on recent REF results

Research submitted by Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences to the REF unit of assessment “Earth Systems and Environment” has been recognised as being 15^th out of 43 within the UK sector for its research quality.

 As well as securing a higher national ranking since the last research assessment in 2008, 89% of the submitted research was rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent. The research submitted by the School spanned oceanography, marine biology and marine geology. Our excellent research covers a wide breadth of subjects from the ecology of coastal waters through ocean physics and from earth climate in the deep past to future climate change in coastal waters into the deep ocean.

Head of School Professor Chris Richardson was delighted with the news. He said: “Ocean Sciences’ REF submission was well above the average for Universities within the sector and our results demonstrate an accelerating research performance and continued dominance and impact in marine science both internationally and nationally.

“Our research is world class and is making important scientific impacts, with 90% of our research judged as having world-leading or internationally excellent ‘Impact’.  The high score for our research impact on wider society is an impressive result and reflects our position in the vanguard of ocean forecasting for marine energy production and in sustainable fisheries. 

“With 92% satisfaction in the recent National Student Survey (NSS) results, the 2014 REF result consolidates Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences’ reputation as internationally excellent where researchers and students can experience the very best combination of a world-leading academic school along with a great student experience”.

A summary table of the University’s REF results can be accessed here.

Publication date: 19 December 2014