REF2028: what we know so far

Professor Sam Kingman’s research update Decisions on the high-level design of the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) have been published by the UK’s higher education funding bodies. The next REF will conclude in 2028 and will assess research and impact between 2021 and 2027. Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair at Research England (and who …

Reflecting on my time at the University of Nottingham

Research update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner As this will be my final update I have taken the opportunity to reflect on my time at the University of Nottingham. At the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee hearing to approve my appointment as Executive Chair of Research England, I was posed questions on …

University’s largest ever funding award for UK’s most powerful MRI scanner

Update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner The University of Nottingham, the birthplace of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), has received its largest ever funding award to establish the UK’s most powerful MRI scanner. The £29.1m award, from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will establish a national scanning facility to help the UK lead the world in …

Thanking our remarkable colleagues for their contribution to REF 2021

We cannot underestimate the contribution of hundreds of colleagues who helped deliver our Research Excellence Framework 2021 results, where we placed 7th in the UK for Research Power* and improved on all measures. Delivering our submission in March 2021 was a huge team effort and many years of work are represented in the material we …

REF2021 results: congratulations and thank you

Update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner Results from REF2021 yesterday reaffirmed the University of Nottingham’s reputation as one the UK’s leading research universities. I am grateful to colleagues from across our university who made our submission possible and helped deliver our very good set of results. This include academics, research support teams, postgraduate research students, …

Invitation: research culture workshops 16-26 May

Update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner I am delighted to invite you to join the next stage in our ambitious project to transform research culture at the university. Research culture workshops take place between 16 and 26 May. Sign up for a research culture workshop These one-hour, open discussions will explore emerging themes and findings …

Ending links with Russia universities – guidance for researchers

Update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner Following Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West’s announcement on ending all formal links with universities in Russia, colleagues in Research and Innovation have produced guidance for researchers and teams who may be affected by this decision. It includes advice and support on ending current research projects, bilateral agreements, memoranda of understanding …

My thanks and a look ahead to 2022

Season’s greetings from Professor Dame Jessica Corner Welcome to my final research update of 2021. It feels particularly tough to be writing this as we face new challenges in getting through the pandemic and as we return to scenario planning for different eventualities. But there is also room for optimism. We continue to help drive …

Our message of hope at COP26: research can truly change the world

COP26, the United Nations Climate Conference, opens in Glasgow on 1 November, and I will be proud to lead a small delegation from our university at this incredibly important event. We will carry a message of hope. We face the greatest challenge of our time yet a common purpose and shared determination to deliver innovative, …

Launch of Biodiscovery Institute: celebrating our research and wonderful people

By Professor Chris Denning The University of Nottingham’s Biodiscovery Institute officially opens on Monday 6 September, when Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West will welcome around 100 guests including senior leaders from industry, funding bodies and government. We are honoured that Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council Professor Fiona Watt will formally open the institute and …