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Research Excellence Framework

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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With an excellent track record in applied research, supported by a strong base of expertise and advanced scholarship, the university's research has direct application in business, industry, the professions and the community at large.​

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REF 2021: Recognised for Excellence and Impact

The UK Government’s last national independent peer reviewed assessment of research quality (REF2021) found 70% of our overall submission to be Internationally Excellent or World Leading. Meanwhile, our impact case studies (research with an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health the environment or quality of life, beyond academia) were graded 80% internally Excellent or World Leading.

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Woman in wheelchair hugs a large white teddy bear

The application of design research into the therapeutic value of playful objects.

Member of staff presents information to students

The impact of design research on the competitiveness of SMEs.

A group of students sit talking at a green table

Improving educators’ use of technology in language teaching across Europe and Eurasia.

Headshot of student teacher

The impact of research on the upskilling of teachers to fundamentally transform the new Curriculum in Wales.

A scientist in a lab coat uses a pipette to transfer liquid into a tray, surrounded by lab equipment and bottles.

The impact of exercise science research on the health, welfare and survival of great apes.

A person stands in a gym, gesturing with one hand raised, facing a group. The back of one person is visible, wearing a shirt labeled Coach. A basketball hoop is in the background. The setting is casual and suggests a team gathering or discussion.

Developing high-quality professional practice via collaborative research with coaches and professional practitioners.

School pupil running with rugby ball on the running track inside the National Indoor Athletics Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University's Cyncoed campus

Research into the long-term athletic ability of children and adolescents has impacted national and international policy and practice.

Two women compete for the rugby ball during a game

The impact of injury surveillance research on the identification and prevention of head injuries in cricket and rugby union.

A row of people in white lab coats and hairnets sit at numbered stations. Each person is engaging in a sensory evaluation, with one person smelling or tasting from a small cup under a hooded light. The stations are numbered 3 to 8.

Research driven innovation in gluten-free product development.

A male and female nurse in blue scrubs consult a chart as they stand at the end of a hospital bed where a test dummy lies

The impact of the introduction of Peripheral Arterial Disease screening in Mauritius on people with Diabetes.

A person wearing a hairnet and a lab coat is inspecting equipment in a kitchen. They are holding a clipboard and appear focused on the task. A reflection of the scene is visible on a shiny surface.

The impact of the work of KITE on the Welsh food and drink manufacturing sector.

A young woman points to a laptop screen in an educational moment for the young child sat next to them

The impact of research informed leadership training on business performance and practice.

A sports coach spins a basketball on his fingers while four pupils, all holding a basketball on their laps, watch on

Innovative evaluation research methods leading to changes in organisational policy and practice.

Three people sit facing one another in chairs during a meeting

The application of COMPS in business settings and its positive impact on performance and efficiency.

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