Insights from REF2021
Chemistry impact from the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
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 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 Royal Society of Chemistry 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 report is structured around themes important to us and our community - from evidencing where chemistry is contributing to tackling global challenges to showcasing concrete efforts on making the chemistry workforce more inclusive.
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 RSC’s ability to make a compelling case for the value and contribution of the chemical sciences to making the world a better place.
Dr Jo Reynolds, Director of Science & Communities, Royal Society of Chemistry
Economic contribution
Examples of the types of products and technologies which have been underpinned by chemistry research
- Diagnostic technologies, like those used for Covid, cancer, infectious diseases, drug and forensic profiling.
- New equipment, including life support systems for submarines, genome sequencing kit and wireless sensors.
- Everyday consumer products, such as toothpaste, skincare and cosmetics, and gin.
- New approved drug treatments, for example Rucaparib and Vizimpro.
- Medical products, including bone graft materials and stomas.
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 REF website.