Investing in knowledge

Research across UK universities is currently assessed through a system known as the Research Excellence Framework. It’s the means by which higher education institutions are ranked in terms of “research power”, and is a key contributor to a university’s reputation and influences the amount of state funding it receives. A good research ranking can be, in every sense, a big deal.

In the last assessment, carried out in 2014, Northumbria University jumped 30 places up the research power rankings to 50th place, the largest rise in the sector. Such a giant leap wasn’t easy; it required £17 million of investment in order to bring in more research-active staff and developing a strategy focused on growing high-quality research.

Professor George Marston, Northumbria University’s pro-vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation), explains why the institution worked so hard to power up its research. “There’s quite a lot more to a university than teaching undergraduates,” he says. “Of course that’s our main activity, but there is also the creation of knowledge and the dissemination of that knowledge.”

The university has identified eight multidisciplinary research themes, which will be the focus of its work (and on the receiving end of £2.5million of investment per year) over the next few years. The aim is to attract top-level staff, students and funding, but that’s not all. “The breadth of the themes allows us to tackle challenges that are of societal importance,” says Marston, explaining that research takes universities out of the academic bubble and places them in the wider world. “These activities have a huge impact on our economy, society, health and culture.”

What does this mean for students? At undergraduate level, it will help them make the step up from school. “You’re operating at a higher level and it’s important you’re being taught by people who don’t just understand their subject, but are leading it,” says Marston. “It’s not just learning from a book, it’s a research-rich, more engaged method of learning.”

Postgraduates can expect an even richer and more complex experience, says Marston. “At postgraduate level there will be a significant research component; and of course this is vital in research degrees.”

Contributing to research can be its own reward as well as leading to high-level qualifications and career opportunities, but there are short-term benefits as well in terms of enjoying your study time at university. “From the student perspective carrying out research as part of their programmes is really important,” says Marston. “More broadly though, they will get more of a buzz from having academics around who are really excited about the research that they’re doing in their subjects.”

With benefits to the institution, its students and – hopefully – the wider world, it’s no surprise that universities such as Northumbria are putting their weight behind research activities. It’s an ongoing commitment, says Marston. “We’re in the process of ensuring that research-rich learning is a core component of all the degree programmes we deliver.”