96% of the University of Portsmouth’s physics research outputs have been judged world-leading or internationally excellent in the national Research Excellence Framework 2014.
The Times Higher Education ranks Portsmouth 8th in their league table for physics research outputs..
Overall 89% of Portsmouth physics research outputs, impact and environment was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Portsmouth’s overall research grade point average makes it the top ranked Alliance university and the top ranked new university in physics.
The Portsmouth REF2014 submission included research from 17 scientists, including 7 early career researchers, in the Institute for Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG). ICG was set up in 2002 and has established an international reputation for research in cosmology and astrophysics, playing a leading role in several major astronomical surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Dark Energy Survey.
This is Portsmouth’s first submission to the Physics sub-panel. In the last national research assessment exercise (RAE2008), research from ICG was submitted to the Applied Mathematics panel, alongside work from the University’s Department of Mathematics.
Portsmouth is a member of the South-East Physics Network (SEPnet) and now runs undergraduate courses in Applied Physics and is starting a new degree in Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology in 2015.
- 89% of Portsmouth physics research outputs, environment and impact were judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
- 96% of research outputs world-leading or internationally excellent
- 90% of research environment internationally excellent
- top rated new university for physics research
- top rated Alliance Group university for physics research
Bob Nichol, Professor of Astrophysics at the university, said: “This result is the product of sustained investment by the university in world-class scientific research over the past 15 years.”
David Wands, Professor of Cosmology, said: “We have developed a coherent and collaborative research culture at the interface between astrophysical theory and observations, reinforced by strategic investment in major international collaborations such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Dark Energy Survey.
“These results are part of a wider resurgence in physics at Portsmouth. We re-launched undergraduate physics here through our applied physics BSc in 2010, and we have just approved new 4-year degrees in applied physics, astrophysics and cosmology to start in 2015.”
Bob Nichol said: “We are committed to maximising the impact of our research and have developed a professional and coordinated outreach programme, engaging with schools and the local community. Our research also has a global impact through online initiatives, including Galaxy Zoo which has had a phenomenal impact, engaging with nearly a million volunteers worldwide since it was launched in 2007.”
