UCO research recognised by the Research Excellence Framework

The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) have been published and include the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) for the first time.

The UCO was the only specialist osteopathic institution to enter a submission, representing a huge step forward for the UCO and research development for the osteopathic profession in the UK.

REF 2021 is a UK-wide assessment of university research carried out by the four UK higher education funding bodies. It considers the research output, impact and environment of participating universities across a wide range of subject areas. The results are used to inform future allocation of research funding - around £2 billion per year from 2022-23.

The UCO’s entry was one of 91 submissions for ‘Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy’ and we are delighted that 22% (4*) of our outputs have been rated as world leading and a further 22% (3*) as internationally excellent.

UCO Vice Chancellor, Charles Hunt says of the results:

“This is an impressive result for our first submission. We look forward to having our work supported for the first time by quality-related infrastructure funding and building on our research capacity and development as we move forward.”

The UCO’s research work has supported osteopaths’ awareness of evidence informed practice and patient management as well as promoting osteopaths’ skills delivering biopsychosocial-informed care.

Steven Vogel, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at the UCO, says:

“I am delighted by the recognition of the high quality of some of our research work and grateful to Dr Hilary Abbey for leading the submission from our small part time team of six researchers.

“The process has led to a great deal of learning, and we are revising our research and knowledge exchange strategies to reflect this. As a small institution, our research environment requires further development, and we are excited about enhancing the impact of our work in the future.”

For more information about our REF submission and research at the UCO contact Steven Vogel at steven.vogel@uco.ac.uk

To find out more about REF 2021 visit www.ref.ac.uk