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REF 2021: STEaPP and Security and Crime Science ‘world-leading’ research recognised
13 May 2022
Research from UCL Security and Crime Science and UCL Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) has been recognised as ‘world-leading’ in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF), placing us 7th in the UK for 4* rated research in Social Work and Social Policy
In total, 87 per cent of research from UCL Security and Crime Science and UCL STEaPP has been graded 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (internationally excellent’), up from 84 per cent in the last assessment in 2014. Overall, our research received a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.39 (out of 4) up from a GPA of 3.15 in 2014.
The REF also ranked UCL Security and Crime Science and UCL STEaPP in the top 10 for research impact and environment. Meanwhile, our research power, a measure that takes into account both the quality and size of submission, was placed 14th in the UK in the same Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment.
UCL Security and Crime Science and UCL STEaPP were part of a joint submission for the Social Work and Social Policy grouping. Our departments include a number of co-located researchers, research students and selected staff to enable strategic joint activities, including an EPSRC-funded CDT in Cybersecurity. This is the first REF exercise UCL STEaPP has participated in as a department since its founding in 2013.
The REF is carried out approximately every six to seven years to assess the quality of research across 157 UK universities and to share how this research benefits society both in the UK and globally.
UCL as an institution has come second in the UK for research power with 93 per cent of research graded 4* ‘world leading’ and 3* ‘internationally excellent’. A total of 3,432 UCL academics were submitted to this REF process across 32 subject units.
Professor Joanna Chataway, Head of Department in UCL STEaPP, said: “The results from REF 2021 reflect the tremendous hard work of our colleagues across STEaPP and Security and Crime Science. At STEaPP we are unashamedly policy orientated. Our research spans several disciplines, from energy access and climate change to cybersecurity and science advice, all with the overarching aim of enhancing decision-makers ability to address complex societal issues.
"The diversity of knowledge and expertise within the department blurs the boundaries between science policy and social policy – and while this is one of our strongest advantages, means we need to take an unconventional approach to exercises like REF. That we have done so well in these results really is a testament to the talent and impact of our community.”