School of Law research recognised by REF 2021

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results have recognised that 92% of research activity entered by the School of Law is either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.

The REF is the system for assessing the quality and impact of research in UK higher education institutions along with the environment that supports this research. At the University of Leeds, the School of Law was the only School to enter its research submission into UoA 18.

The School is delighted that the REF 2021 has recognised its commitment to high quality research that responds to some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

The School is proud that 86% of the research publications that it submitted to the REF have been assessed as either “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, and thrilled that 100% of its impact submission has been rated “world-leading” by expert REF panellists.

The School of Law prides itself on creating a vibrant and collegial community to support its researchers, partners and collaborators. We are extremely pleased that all of our assessment in the environment submission is either “world-leading” or ”internationally excellent”.

According to the Times Higher Education these results place the University of Leeds School of Law 4th in the UK for research quality. The REF 2021 results show that the quality of the University of Leeds’ research is above the Higher Education sector average.

The REF 2021 results are a remarkable achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the work of our talented colleagues.

Professor Louise Ellison, Head of School

“We are particularly delighted that 100% of our impact submission has been awarded the maximum rating as it recognises the efforts of our research partners and collaborators. We would certainly not have achieved such a fantastic result without their important contributions.”

Further information

Read the statement from the Faculty of Social Sciences Pro-Dean for Research.

For media enquiries contact the University of Leeds press office via pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.

View the University of Leeds results for all units of assessment.