REF 2021
The impacts of UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences research on the wider world have been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Research Excellence
Professor Mark Emberton, talks about the REF 2021 results and highlights some of the transformative research from the Faculty.
Case study highlight
Our research makes an impact. Learn more about what we’ve been up to.
Single-dose radiotherapy transforms breast cancer patient care
Our clinicians transformed breast cancer care by developing a single-dose radiotherapy treatment to delivered in the same operation as tumour surgery.
Podcast: Where research transforms lives
We’re tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges. This podcast series explores some of the most memorable stories from UCL Research.
Key highlights
- UCL has again come second in the UK for research power with 93% of research graded 4* and 3* - world-leading and internationally excellent.
- We have maintained our position as top for research power in life and medical sciences and social sciences.
- In the Clinical Medicine unit of assessment, we are 1st in the UK, England, London and the Russell Group for our impact and research environment.
- In the Education unit of assessment, comprising submissions from UCL’s IOE, Medical School Research Department of Medical Education and MAPS, we are ranked 1st for overall research power and research strength.
REF 2021 impact case studies
UCL-Ventura CPAP breathing aid: solving a COVID-19 challenge at pace
In March 2020, as admissions to UK intensive care units increased, the UCL-Ventura team designed a simple, cost-effective and reusable breathing aid for COVID-19 patients. This went on to save lives g
A breakthrough for rare, untreatable heart disease
Clinical researchers at UCL have pioneered a new method to more easily diagnose the often-fatal heart muscle disease ATTR amyloidosis, which has helped in the development of new treatments.
Catching and treating more prostate cancers worldwide
Thanks to UCL research, millions of men each year benefit from more accurate diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with fewer side-effects.
REF 2021 News
UCL comes second in the UK for research power
The excellence of research at UCL and its positive real-world impact has improved since 2014, according to the REF 2021 assessment results announced today.
