Research in Physics and Astronomy is confirmed as world-leading

Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton has once again proved its world-leading research status following the publication of the latest national assessment of research.

The department is ranked within the top 5 Physics and Astronomy departments in the Russell Group for its research output with the following results based on the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF):

• 94% of Physics and Astronomy research output is rated world leading or internationally excellent. • 100% of the impact of its research on society has been rated as world leading or internationally excellent.

Phil Charles, Head of Physics and Astronomy at Southampton said: “We are very proud of our REF results, which are testament to the sustained hard work of our outstanding academics. Achieving 94% is something we have aspired to since our very high rating in the RAE of 2001. We have maintained our high output standards for 20 years and this result confirms that our students learn from the best in a rich research-led teaching environment.”

The 2014 REF assesses the quality of research output, the impact it has had outside of academia, and the quality of its research environment. The results will be used by the four UK higher education funding bodies to allocate research funding. Currently, this amounts to £2 billion per year.