News | 12 May 2022
Results from the UK Government’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 were published on 12 May 2022. Cardiff Metropolitan University’s submission contained over four times as many staff as the last one. The REF 2021 results showed Cardiff Met produced World Leading research across its entire submission, with nearly two thirds of research outputs found to be Internationally Excellent or World Leading. Research submitted also contributed to far-reaching impacts, with 79% of the University’s research impacts judged to be Internationally Excellent or World Leading. For example, Art and Design researchers have transformed the quality of life of people living with advanced dementia
(HUG 2021 press release), while our Sports Science cardiovascular research has contributed to the survival of critically endangered great ape species. Our research has similarly fuelled economic growth, with researchers across the University enabling businesses to contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the economy.
Nearly 88% of the University’s Sport research outputs were Internationally Excellent or World Leading, while the percentage of Cardiff Met’s World Leading impacts in Art and Design rated us 5th in the UK, at 83%, with the remainder being Internationally Excellent. The University’s Art and Design research was also rated highest in Wales, by every measure.
Cardiff Met’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cara Aitchison said: “These results build on a successful year, that has already seen us win the Times Higher Education UK and Ireland University of the Year 2021 and the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 Welsh University of the Year awards. They show the difference that our world leading applied research makes to society and the economy. Cardiff Met’s researchers have made vital contributions to the health and prosperity of the world, and these results demonstrate our clear ability to deliver research and impact at the very highest levels.”
