Bristol is the only UK vet school to receive a 100% 4* rating for research impact in the latest Research Excellence Framework

Tim Parkin, head of Bristol Vet School University of Bristol

19 May 2022

Bristol Veterinary School's preeminent research has been formally recognised with 94% achieving the top 'world-leading' 4* rating or ‘internationally excellent’ 3* rating in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) results. Significantly, Bristol Vet School was the only UK vet school to receive a 100% 4* rating for research impact, ‘outstanding in terms of reach and significance’.

Tim Parkin, head of the University of Bristol Veterinary School, said: “Bristol vet school is very pleased to see our rankings continue to improve in UoA6 in REF 2021. These results reaffirm our vision to be a veterinary school recognised for the delivery of world-class research that positively impacts animal health and welfare, to promote a healthy society.”

The University of Bristol as a whole has been ranked fifth for research in the UK, with a remarkable 94% of its research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

REF 2021 is a UK-wide assessment of university research carried out by the four UK higher education funding bodies. Its aim is to secure the continuation of a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education.

Overall, 57% of the University's research achieved the top 'world-leading' 4* rating, compared to a sector average of 41%. A further 37% of Bristol's research was judged to be 'internationally excellent' and received the 3* rating.