Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to receive the results of Research Excellence Framework 2021. REF is carried out every 6-7 years in the UK. It assesses research quality across the higher education sector and demonstrates the public benefits of research activities. The successful outcome for BGU reflects its sustained commitment to expanding research through the University’s current and preceding Strategy periods.



BGU is committed to supporting excellent research in all its forms. Research and knowledge exchange at the University also achieves impact in its local and regional communities, as well as nationally and internationally, it underpins its doctoral programme provision, and engages students in research-informed learning and teaching.

BGU’s submission to REF 2021 reflects a period of significant growth in its research and knowledge exchange. Two more Units of Assessment have been added to the three that were returned in REF 2014, there has been a four-fold increase in the number of staff submitted, a near three-fold increase in the number of outputs, and a four-fold increase in research income.

The University submitted work reflecting established fields of research expertise in Education, English Language and Literature, and History, and made its first entries in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience and in Theology and Religious Studies. The results include published outputs of world-leading quality and acknowledge fields of internationally excellent public impact, and a rich, vibrant, and diverse research environment and culture.

Vice-Chancellor, Revd Canon Professor Peter Neil, said: “These results mark an important milestone in BGU’s development as a provider with a reputation for excellence in research and knowledge exchange.

“We have embraced the spirit of inclusivity in the REF and reflected research activity and interests across the whole of the institution. This successful outcome emphasises the breadth of our research, includes outputs which are regarded as internationally excellent and highlights our public impact with local, regional and international reach.

“I am extremely grateful to colleagues for all their hard work in expanding and enhancing research at BGU over the last seven years. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our external partners in supporting many areas of our research.”


12th May 2022