18 December 2008

Research Assessment Exercise 2008

*** Embargoed for use until 00.01hrs Thursday 18th December ***

The University of Dundee has welcomed the results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise which show that 54% of the University’s research is achieving ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ standards.

The University is top in Scotland for civil engineering and biological and laboratory-based clinical sciences, all of which were among the top performers in the UK. The results also underline Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design’s position as the pre-eminent art school in Scotland and places it as one of the best schools in the UK.

History, Geography and Law also achieved good results. History at Dundee achieved the highest percentage of staff in Scotland rated in the 4* and 3* categories (‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’) while Geography was top-equal with St Andrews.

The University also achieved strong performances in Nursing & Midwifery, Computing, and Philosophy, areas where the University has made significant progress in recent years.

The University recorded scores at the 4* level (defined as ‘world leading’) in every subject area submitted to the RAE. 8 of Dundee's submissions were ranked in the top 20 in the UK in their respective fields.

'This is a strong result for Dundee and a tribute to the hard work, dedication and academic excellence of our staff', said Sir Alan Langlands, Principal of the University.

The Research Assessment Exercise is conducted jointly by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland (DEL).

The primary purpose of the RAE 2008 is to measure research quality in all academic disciplines. The four higher education funding bodies intend to use the quality profiles to determine their contribution to research infrastructure with effect from 2009-10.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk