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What is Research Impact?

Our research is making the world a better place

Revolutionising medical diagnosis. Connecting cultures. Designing our future cities.

We are revolutionising medical diagnosis and treatment, helping to build our future cities, influencing policies which touch lives; and connecting communities through culture and the arts.

Our impact extends far beyond the lecture theatre. Our researchers are tackling real problems in the UK and across the world, making a difference on issues that range from flood resilience in Brazil to mental health service provision in the UK.

Warwick researchers have collaborated with industry partners, governments and NGOs, the NHS and arts organisations in the UK and beyond. These partnerships are integral to achieving evidence-based change and ensuring our research is shared with the broader public.

Find out more about all the areas in which our research is having an impact by selecting a Faculty from the buttons on the right.


What is the Research Excellence Framework (REF)?

The Research Excellence Framework is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and is assessed by the four UK higher education funding bodies: Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE). The next assessment will take place in 2021.

What is the REF's purpose?

The aim of the research assessment is to secure the continuation of a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education. The exercise provides accountability for public investment in research and offers evidence of the benefits of this research and investment. The results of the REF inform the allocation of future public funding for research.

Find out more about the REF