RAE 2008
RAE 08 and the Biological Sciences Research Group
We made a submission to the Biological Sciences Unit of Assessment (UoA 14) to the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008. This was the first time the University had made a submission to this Unit of Assessment and 50% of the Groups research work was graded as of international significance.
The RAE graded all submitted research on a five-point scale, the highest being 4 *, descending in quality through 3 *, 2 * and 1 * which have the associated descriptors as detailed below. There was also a lower category of unclassified, u/c.
- 4 * Research which is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- 3 * Research of international excellence in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which falls short of the highest standards of excellence.
- 2 * Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- 1 * Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.u/c Quality below the standard of nationally recognised work.
Grades are based on profiles of three factors:
- Outputs
- The research environment
- Esteem indicators.
Each of these three areas is graded and proportions of activity/facilities recorded. The grading for the Biological Sciences Research Group, detailed below, shows that overall 50% of our work is of international significance and indeed 15% is of international excellence in terms of originality, significance and rigour. All the work of the Group is of at least is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
| Quality level: | Unclassified | 1 star | 2 star | 3 star | 4 star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 50 | 35 | 15 | 0 | |
| National excellence | International recognition | International excellence | World leading |
This result shows that, although we are a relatively small group, our research work is of significant quality. Importantly it is work of this quality which informs our teaching and of which students become an active part in their final year Independent Research Projects. It should also be noted that Derby was the only post 1992 University in this region which made a successful submission Biological Sciences Unit of Assessment.
Professor Paul Lynch
