The School of Chemistry’s performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, has highlighted that over 95% of the research outputs in the School were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Professor Jon Preece, Head of School, said of the results: “We are pleased with our REF results and they have been announced at an exciting time for research in the School of Chemistry. Our research has a clear focus on the themes of Materials Chemistry and Energy, Imaging in Chemistry and Biomedicine and Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery – truly interdisciplinary areas that allow for collaborations within the School, University and beyond.”
An example of the impact of our research can be seen through Glysure’s development of a continuous blood-glucose monitoring system for use in intensive care units, to support clinical implementation of Tight Glycaemic Control. Key to achieving this is an Intensive Insulin Therapy, using novel and highly selective chemosensor selective for glucose, developed from research originally conducted in the School. A further example is the development of a spin out company - Irresistible Materials - that is creating materials for nanostructuring silicon surfaces, which was founded on a research collaboration from the Schools of Chemistry, Physics and Chemical Engineering stretching back to 1997.
The School of Chemistry is part of the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), which draws together research strengths across the academic schools to focus on the wider research themes of Advanced Manufacturing, Science Frontiers, and Resilience, Energy and Sustainability. Professor John Bridgeman, College Director of Research, said: “The School of Chemistry is a key contributor to the College being a truly interdisciplinary research environment.”
Learn more about the School of Chemistry’s research strengths and the over-arching College research themes.