Research work conducted at the University of Bolton has been assessed as world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the government-led Research Assessment Exercise results, published today.
Research work in Engineering, in Architecture and the Built Environment, in Social Work and Social Policy have been assessed as being world-leading, achieving the 4* rating. All research in Philosophy at the University is of international excellence and significance.
The University of Bolton submitted nine research areas to the RAE 2008: General Engineering (including the Centre for Materials Research and Innovation), Architecture, Business, Social Work, Psychology, Education (including the Institute of Cybernetics), English, Philosophy and Art & Design.
Said Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Peter Marsh: 'World-leading and internationally important academic research is being carried out at the University of Bolton. This Research Assessment Exercise clearly reflects the growth and significance of Bolton's research activity and its importance within its fields of research speciality.
Our academic research activity is important to us coupled with its relevance to our partners in business and the community. I am delighted that the increase in its breadth and significance has been so highly rated.
'It recognises the achievements of our staff and research students and it also helps us to attract funding and new partners as we continue to develop research work of national, international and world-leading importance.'
Following the announcement of these results Bolton has moved up 8 places, from 125th to 113th, in the Times Higher Education table of excellence, published today.
World-leading research areas at the University of Bolton include: in Engineering, the field of auxetic materials; in Architecture and the Built Environment, work on urban regeneration and on transport; in Social Work and Social Policy research into community cohesion and wellbeing. Internationally excellent original research is undertaken in classical philosophy by the University's philosophy group.
RAE 2008 aims to produce profiles for each submission of research activity made by each institution. For English universities the Research Assessment Exercise is conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. HEFCE will use the profiles to determine their grant for research to institutions which they fund with effect from 2009-10.