REF2021: Research Culture
The University of Glasgow has been recognised for its research and the positive impact it has on society, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021).
Our mission is to produce innovative world-leading research with significant impact locally, nationally, and internationally. We achieve this by attracting outstanding researchers and providing a supportive environment where they can flourish. Ways that we approach this are through:
Research mentoring; a ‘work in progress’ series and peer review; writing events and conferences for academic staff and PGRs; and investment in research support costs
Developing an environment where colleagues support each other to succeed and where collegiality in research is encouraged. For example, in 2019, the University revised its professorial promotion criteria to include a requirement to demonstrate support for the career development of academic colleagues, particularly those at earlier career stages
Developing a thriving PGR environment: the 2019 Postgraduate Research Experience survey reflected that 86% reported overall satisfaction and 93% reported that the Law PGR programme developed their research skills, complemented by our training and development programme and PGR financial support. PGRs and supervisors are supported in the development and review of PGR training and development needs and a PGR representative contributes to school meetings.
We have worked on our physical environment – which in the past had been dominated by representations of white men – to better reflect diversity. We commissioned portraits of the first five female professors which hang in a prominent stairway and renamed a key meeting room after a leading female judge (Lady Cosgrove). Our work towards gender equality in Law is visible through our 100 Voices for 100 Years project (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/law/100years/100voices/ ) which marks the centenary of the Sex Discrimination (Removal) Act 1919. It focuses on female lawyers and celebrates diversity, showcasing role models from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, the trans community, those with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The visibility of their stories is an important part of making our research environment welcoming and inclusive to those from minority groups.
Exchanging ideas with a diverse community of visiting scholars, supported through the Glasgow Law Fellowship; over the REF period, we hosted 73 visiting academics from 25 countries (others were unable to visit due to the pandemic).
Facilitating external opportunities for researchers; 38 colleagues were visiting researchers at 64 institutions in the UK and internationally.
