Paul Woolston welcomes research excellence results of local universities

Paul Woolston, North East LEP Chair, today welcomed the outstanding research excellence results of local universities, setting them amongst the best in the UK.

Results from the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) unveiled today assess the research activity of universities over the past six years, its quality and its impact.

Newcastle University is ranked 16th in the UK, Durham 18th, Northumbria 52nd and Sunderland 103rd.

Mr Woolston said: “The REF results are proof positive of the overall quality of our superb universities and the impact their research makes on our economy and wider society.

“The results pinpointed the sheer depth and reach of the world leading and internationally excellent research at our universities, in areas key to our economic success such as sciences, engineering and educational attainment.

“They are leading the way in our region, nationally and internationally with pioneering research and innovation that brings with it huge economic benefits for the North East.

“The innovation they lead working closely with business helps support the delivery of the North East Economic Plan, creating new, high quality jobs, fresh ideas and intellectual property which play such a major part in creating new growth and prosperity in the North East.”