Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Background
The UK government conducts a periodic quality exercise of research in universities known as the Research Excellence Framework (the ‘REF’).
For each submission, three distinct elements are assessed:
- The quality of outputs (eg publications, performances, and exhibitions)
- Their impact beyond academia
- The environment that supports research
The most recent REF took place in 2021.
UCL Laws' results
- Out of 69 law faculties in the UK that submitted to the 2021 REF, UCL Laws has been rated as the leading institution in the UK for research quality
- UCL Laws’ 2021 REF results reflect a consistently excellent performance across all three measures of REF assessment: outputs, impact and research environment
- The faculty has the top GPA (3.62), the highest number of overall 4* results, and the highest quality index (QI) in the UK
- UCL Laws is ranked in the top five across all three measures (outputs, impact and research environment)
No. 1 in the UK for research excellence
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
A commitment to transformative research
This exceptional set of results reflects the Faculty’s commitment to methodologically diverse and rigorous scholarship; intellectual innovation and originality; and transformative real-world impact beyond the university.
The Faculty’s submission spanned public and private law, domestic and foreign, EU, and international and transnational law, with a striking array of agenda-setting research impacts, rooted in a strong social mission and justice values.
Impact case studies
The following five impact case studies were submitted for assessment.
Shaping the legal framework for Brexit
Triggering action leading to litigation, supporting legal advocacy, and informing landmark UK and EU judicial decision-making.
Developing global norms for improved resolution of cross-border insolvencies
Facilitating resolution of cross-border insolvencies, benefiting individuals and the stability of global commerce and investment.
Driving generational transformation of UK environmental law
Analysing the gaps that would be created by the loss of the EU environmental law framework in the UK – and identifying opportunities for innovation.
Re-framing cultural, legal and public understandings of atrocities and their perpetrators
Engaging the public in international criminal law and justice, and strengthening the campaign for a new convention on crimes against humanity.
Enabling COVID-19 contact tracing apps that protect privacy and reduce surveillance risk
Rapidly co-developing the ‘DP-3T’ Bluetooth proximity tracing technology underpinning global contact tracing apps.
REF 2014
The first assessment under REF took place in 2014. Explore our REF 2014 impact case studies.
Find out more