University chemistry departments are a vital part of the UK research and innovation ecosystem and play an important role in underpinning solutions for a healthier, more sustainable world and a stronger economy.
Every five to seven years, they submit evidence of the quality and impact of their research as well as the state of the environment in which that research is carried out to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
While the selection of evidence examples submitted to the REF by no means is representative of all chemistry research that takes place at universities, it is a rich data set that showcases some of the great contributions they make.
Our Insights from REF2021 report
Insights from REF2021 reports the findings of an interrogation of the REF2021 impact and environment submissions to the chemistry unit of assessment, commissioned in 2022 by the 欧美AV and conducted by Research Consulting Limited. It delves into the REF’s rich data set and highlights some of the varied contributions that chemical scientists at UK institutions make by driving new discoveries, developing new products, and transferring knowledge.
The insights and examples in this report are an addition to our evidence base and will be used alongside a range of other sources and case studies from across the research landscape.
The examples in this report are to be celebrated. They will strengthen the 欧美AV’s ability to make a compelling case for the value and contribution of the chemical sciences to making the world a better place.
Economic contribution: chemistry research benefitting industry
Diagnostic Technologies
E.g. Covid, cancer, infectious diseases, drug and forensic profiling
New Equipment
E.g. life support systems for submarines, genome sequencing kit, wireless sensors
Everyday Consumer Products
E.g. toothpaste, skincare and cosmetics, gin
New Approved Drug Treatments
E.g. Rucaparib and Vizimpro
Medical Products
E.g. bone graft materials and stomas
UK chemistry is contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world and a stronger economy. Read the 欧美AV Insights from REF2021 report for amazing examples of chemical scientists using new discoveries and knowledge transfer to make the world a better place
What is the REF?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers. It aims to provide accountability for public investment in research, provide benchmarking information and inform the selective allocation of research funding.
More information on the REF is available on the .