REF impact case studies
The University of Dundee submitted 47 case studies to REF 2021 across 16 Units of Assessment. You can read about a selection of case studies below.
REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021
This is the main assessment of research across the higher education sector in the UK, and is vitally important in determining both future research funding and our global reputation. The REF process assesses each of our discipline areas in terms of its quality and is carried out once every six-to-seven years.
Research impact case studies account for 25% of the REF assessment and describe the practical benefits that result from our research. You can read highlights from some of our case studies – from Art & Design to Engineering and English - below.
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Comics Jam
Research into comics has led to new partnerships and publications tackling issues of public interest.
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New approaches to drug discovery
Shaping the future of commercial drug development and driving global pharmaceutical investment.
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Transforming social work education and professional learning in Scotland
Collaborative approaches to policy implementation for social work education and workforce development.
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Transforming midwifery around the world
Changing global standards for the provision, education and regulation of midwifery.
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Shaping the future of space navigation
The development of tools for autonomous spacecraft navigation and extra-terrestrial exploration.
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Population screening for bowel cancer
Driving improvements in screening programmes and reducing bowel cancer mortality rates.
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Intelligent liver function testing
The ‘intelligent Liver Function Test’ has improved patient outcomes and quality of care.
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Establishing the Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area
The protection and conservation of marine ecosystems in the waters around the Pitcairn Islands.
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Enhancing wellbeing through film
Using film in care homes for physical, emotion and social benefits, and to increase social engagement.
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Design meets disability
Challenging conventional approaches to disability through inclusive design practices and human-centred research.
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SpaceWire and SpaceFibre – setting standards for spacecraft technology
Award-winning technology for onboard spacecraft communications and the next generation of space missions.
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Dental research and global health priorities
Enabling safe dental care during Covid-19 and tackling antimicrobial resistance through dental antibiotic prescribing.
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Design for Environmental Monitoring
Widespread citizen engagement leads to Europe-wide action on climate change.
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3D sub sea visualisation
Providing virtual access to underwater sites by advancing technologies for sub-sea visualisation.
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Growing up on the streets
Bringing the voices of street children and youth to bear on global policy through UN General Comment.
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Neglected tropical diseases
Bringing about step-change in the diagnosis and treatment of neglected tropical diseases.