Excellent results for COHABS in 2008 RAE

The College of Health and Behavioual Sciences is happy to report an excellent set of results from the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Over 70 members of staff from the College were submitted to the Exercise. The panels noted internationally excellent and indeed world-leading research activity in the three units of assessment in which entries were made (Health Services Research, Psychology, and Sports-Related Studies).

IMSCaR and the School of Healthcare Sciences made a strong first-time appearance in the health services research unit of assessment with a submission of 16 research-active staff. 60% of our research activity in this area was judged to be of international quality or better, with 5% identified as “world leading” (4*). The panel noted a well-focused research strategy in this area, and highlighted important emerging institutes and collaborations.

The School of Psychology followed its top 5*A ranking in the 2001 RAE with another outstanding result. Fully 90% of its research activity was judged to be of an international standard, with 20% at the world-leading level – the latter placing it 7th nationally (out of 76 departments) alongside York, St Andrews, and Glasgow. The panel highlighted the School’s integrative and highly collaborative environment, strong focus on application, and high levels of research income. Another indicator of the depth of Psychology’s research quality is that these results were achieved by returning over 97% of RAE-eligible staff to the exercise.

The School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences builds on their 5A ranking in the 2001 RAE, with 80% of its research activity judged at an international level and 10% graded as world-leading. The panel noted a strong research environment benefiting from ongoing investment in research infrastructure and from external collaborations. The panel also highlighted the School’s forward-looking research strategy and its commitment to future growth, through the appointment of early-career researchers and through excellent attention to staff professional development. The School's submission of all academic staff (17) to the exercise made it one of the few Sport Science departments to do so.