RAE confirms strengthening of Surrey's world-class research
Thursday 18 December 2008
The results of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), an exercise conducted to grade the research quality of universities, have revealed that the University of Surrey continues to consolidate its strength as a world-class research-intensive institution.
88% of Surrey's research activity was rated either 'world class' or 'internationally recognised' with 4 areas of research activity in the top 10 and a total of 9 areas ranked in the top 20.
The activities of 425 researchers from across all four faculties were submitted in 14 subject areas. Results show that almost half of Surrey's assessed research staff work in areas that have been ranked in the top 10.
55% of Surrey's units of assessment were rated as 'internationally excellent' or 'world class', with a further 44% ranked as 'recognised either nationally or internationally'.
Professor Christopher Snowden, University of Surrey Vice-Chancellor, comments: "The RAE results are extremely important to higher education institutions. The excellence of research here at the University of Surrey compliments the high level of teaching and is great news for our students. It is a testament to our academic staff, whose talents and achievements are reflected in these results."
The University is pleased that the RAE has demonstrated that its work in the Allied Health Professions, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, General Engineering and Mineral and Mining Engineering and Sociology are ranked in the top 10 of universities working in these areas. It is also very pleased that Applied Mathematics, Economics and Econometrics, European Studies and subjects across the performing arts ranked in the top 20, which is a significant improvement on the 2001 results.
Professor Snowden continued: "Overall the university is delighted with what we've achieved and we have some outstanding results of which we can be proud."
Find out more
The full RAE results are available at www.rae.ac.uk
A short video podcast by Professor Christopher Snowden can be viewed at www.surrey.ac.uk/gateway/video/rae2008
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
