The results of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021) were released on 12 May 2022. The REF, which last took place in 2014, assesses the research of UK universities and is used to determine quality-related research funding provided by the funding councils.  

The largest element of the REF consists of assessing research outputs published from 2014 until 2020. Over 60% of the School of Law’s research outputs submitted for assessment were rated as “world-leading”, something achieved by only one other submission to the Law panel.  

The School also had 62.5% of its research environment and 50% of its impact case study submission rated as world-leading.   

Law’s Impact Case Studies illustrate the University’s world-changing vision, working with policy makers and public bodies nationally and internationally to improve safeguards against wrongful conviction (James Chalmers and Fiona Leverick); shape the regulation of autonomous weapons (Robin Geiß); reform public sector complaint processes to reduce harm to employees (Gill); enable digital innovation through copyright law (CREATe); and combat ill-treatment of detained persons in Eastern Europe (Jim Murdoch).    

Researchers in Law have given evidence to Parliamentary Committees and other consultations. Jane Mair led the negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding on academic secondments between the Scottish Law Schools and Scottish Law Commission, which led to secondment opportunities for colleagues. Colleagues collectively responded to the pandemic with impactful activity, for example by providing advice to the Scottish Government about safety resuming criminal trials; exploring how litigation could shape post-COVID decisions; hosting a webinar with academics and practitioners to address debt sustainability and the prevention of financial stability.    

Jane Mair, Head of the School of Law, said: “These results are a significant advance on our performance in REF2014, reflecting the work put in across the School of Law to improve our research environment and the support we offer to researchers. Since 2014, we have reshaped the way in which we support legal research and are proud to have recruited early career researchers from around the world who have made Glasgow their home. We have a fantastic team of researchers across the School and I’m delighted to see their hard work recognised in this way, particularly as all this has been combined with delivering excellent teaching.” 

Find out more about Law’s Impact Case Studies:  

First published: 15 June 2022

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