The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)

We are pleased to be able to report the results of the Research Assessment Exercise 2008.

The 2008 RAE used a different system of grading from previous exercises which makes comparison rather difficult. Instead of a single score, each unit of assessment, for example UoA 58 Linguistics, received a quality profile. This change was intended to enable the identification of pockets of research excellence wherever they might be located. Due to the complexity of this new system, the Times Higher and Research Fortnight are producing single scores which will rank UoAs. Our results show that a figure of 53% of our academic staff were submitted to the RAE, which represents the highest proportion of research active staff in the modern university sector in Scotland.

The quality profiles for each of the five units of assessment to which QMU submitted are given below together with the definitions of each quality level.

Overall the results are very positive for QMU with the overwhelming majority of our research in two UoAs (Linguistics and Communication, Cultural & Media Studies) being recognised as internationally significant. In both these areas we have also been able to demonstrate that our research is world leading. In Allied Health, where our research focuses primarily on policy and practice issues often in a Scottish context, we have demonstrated that we have national recognition in the majority of our work. In Drama, Dance & Performing Arts and in Business & Management Studies we have also demonstrated that the majority of our research is at least at national standard.

It is also important to stress that our institutional research strategy focuses on inclusivity to encourage early career researchers and hence capacity build our research base. QMU took the deliberate decision to submit for assessment as much as possible of our eligible work, believing that this was the strategy most appropriate to our developmental trajectory. That we have achieved these results virtually without the benefit of the 'dual support' funding taken for granted by the older universities is commendable and most encouraging. These results support our case for funding for 'capacity-building' in research and provide us with a substantial platform right across the university on which to build for the future.

Four star (4*) Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

Three star (3*) Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which nonetheless falls short of the highest standards of excellence.

Two star (2*) Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

One star (1*) Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

Unclassified (0*) Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work. Or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.

For further information see the RAE 2008 website.

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