Research at Glyndŵr University is international class

Research being undertaken at Glyndŵr University is of international standard across all subject areas, new figures reveal.

The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 recognised Computer Science and Informatics, and Metallurgy and Materials research in particular as world leading.

Almost two thirds of all research at the University was deemed as internationally significant.

The University submitted more subject areas than ever before for the research assessment and the quality of research in previously assessed subject areas improved significantly.

57.5 per cent of research was recognised as being of quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour and 90 per cent of all research was deemed to be of at least national significance.

The RAE is used to assess the quality of research in higher education institutions across the UK and as a base for allocating over £1.5 billion of funding each year from 2009-10.

Professor Michael Scott, Vice-Chancellor of Glyndŵr University, spoke of his pride at the results – the best ever which the University has achieved.

He said: “I’m so pleased that all the hard work that’s gone into our research over the last few years has paid off. To have almost two thirds of our research recognised internationally is a tremendous achievement for both the University and North East Wales.”

Research underpins all academic programmes at Glyndŵr University, ensuring students are exposed to the latest ideas at the forefront of their fields of study.

The University currently has eight research centres and has invested significantly in its academic research capabilities since the last research assessment was made in 2001.

Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs at Glyndŵr University, said: “Our research has clearly moved a long way forward since 2001. We’ve brought in new staff members over the last few years who have strong research profiles and we’ve had strong support from local businesses for our work. The results are an indication of how seriously we value and support research within the institution.

“The people of Wrexham and North East Wales can take great pride in the University and the work that’s being done here. We are a new university and the research which we are doing is clearly of great value and significance on the world stage.”

Overall, Wales saw strong performances over a range of subjects, from art and design to physics, with world-class achievement in a number of areas including civil engineering, computer science and informatics, psychiatry and neuroscience, psychology and Celtic studies.

Roger Thomas, chairman of HEFCW, said: “We are very pleased to see a strong research performance from Welsh universities in so many areas. The challenge now is to use these strengths to boost Wales’s knowledge economy and create wealth and jobs, which is particularly important given the current economic climate.”