Sustained excellence in research from REF 2021

A UK-wide assessment confirms the international significance and impact of Healthcare research at the University of Leeds.

The School of Healthcare is delighted to announce our outstanding results achieved in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021), the national exercise that assesses the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. 

In REF 2021, the School of Healthcare was submitted in Unit of Assessment 3 (UoA 3), aligned with Nursing & Allied Health; and combined with Dentistry. Within Nursing & Allied Health, this was the equivalent of 17.6 full time staff from the School of Healthcare and 11.8 staff from the School of Medicine. Our research is largely applied - making a positive difference to the lives of people receiving and working in health and social care.  

Each UoA has been assessed on the quality of Outputs (originality, significance and rigour), Impact (reach and significance) and Environment (vitality and sustainability).

The results confirmed that 95% of the submitted research activity is either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). With 17 clinical academic fellowships for nurses and allied health professionals - the second highest number of awards nationally to Universities/Trusts - we are nurturing and growing our next generation of clinical academics and have a clear pathway for non-medical clinical academics between the University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.

We have invested and recruited research talent to ensure a vibrant community with clear career progression, opportunities, sustainability and a supportive interdisciplinary and collaborative place to work for our postgraduate researchers. Engaging and working with practitioners, patients and residents is at the forefront of our approach to research; the results are validation that we are part of a world-leading research environment. 

The impact of our research is a particular highlight, including how our research has improved the safe use of medicines for older people living in care homes. 

Further information