Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
REF2021 Results
The Research Excellence Framework REF2021 results have now been published, with 89% of Plymouth Marjon University's research internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance and rigour. 55% is rated in the highest scoring 3*or 4* categories, as internationally excellent. 100% of Marjon’s research was rated as nationally recognised.
As a university, we submitted to two units of assessment: UoA23 Education and UoA 24 Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism. Across these two units of assessment, 59% of the outputs were 3* or 4* and the remaining majority the targeted 2*. In Sport & Exercise Sciences, 98% of the research outputs submitted were recognised as being of international quality, with 11% recognised as the very highest 4* rating: world-leading.
Plymouth Marjon University prides itself in making a difference across Devon and Cornwall and the difference we are making has now been recognised internationally. 100% of our impact case studies submitted were rated as internationally significant, demonstrating how Marjon research is focused on having a positive impact on individual lives. Within Education our impact case studies both achieved 3*, international excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
The results are particularly impressive given this is the first time Marjon has entered the REF, which previously took place in 2014. The recognition will mean that Marjon’s burgeoning research capability will be given a huge boost with additional national funding.
You can view the full REF2021 results here.
What is the Research Excellence Framework?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the current system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The meaning of the assessment exercise to universities is great. It allows them to demonstrate the quality and impact of their research work. The Research Excellence Framework was the first exercise to assess the impact of research outside of academia i.e. in society in general. Impact was defined as ‘an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia’.
The value of great research, its training in original thinking and analysis and its ability to keep knowledge fresh and contemporary, to the nation and to the undergraduate and postgraduate student body is something that sets university degrees apart from those available outside of the university system. In 2014 the REF revealed the quality and impact of UK research in universities. Full details of the REF2021 can be found on the REF2021 website.
Growing our research repository
Do you have all of your publications on the Marjon research repository?
Just a reminder for all staff that if you have submitted anything for publication, or you are awaiting publication or have had anything published (either recently or historically), please send through the details to repository@marjon.ac.uk so we can upload your research to Marjon's Research Repository.
We require the following details:
- Author Name(s)*
- Type of Publication: i.e. Journal article/ book chapter/ conference proceedings
- Title of Article/Chapter/Conference*
- Title of Publication deposit appears in*
- Date of Acceptance*
- Date of Publication
- DOI (if available)
- Author's Accepted Version of Manuscript - this is the version of a manuscript post-editing and peer-review, but before the article is officially published.
*This information is essential for your deposit to be processed
If you need more details on REF2021 compliant deposits, or you'd like some more information on using or depositing in the Repository, then get in touch using the details above.
Our REF Code of Practice
Research Excellence Framework - Quick Guide and Key Dates
REF 2021 Working Group Terms of Reference