We are pleased to announce that following the publishing of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results our research activity has demonstrated significant strength in impact and the value of our multi-disciplinary research base.

Our research outputs, impact and environment reflect our commitment to social justice and social change and the REF shows the importance of our increasing collaboration across research disciplines as part of this. Over 60% of both our outputs and environment and all our impact has been assessed as being world leading or internationally excellent. The Social Work and Social Policy submission to REF 2021 was our first multi-disciplinary return for sociology, social work, law, forensic psychology and criminology at Royal Holloway. Our multi-disciplinary research activity has grown even further in the seven years since the last REF exercise. Whilst sociology, social work and criminology have established track records, the inclusion of a sustained contribution in both law and forensic psychology and demonstrates a truly multi- and inter-disciplinary mix. The REF confirms we have more to do but a strong foundation on which to build.

Said Robert Jago, Head of Department of Law and Criminology and Head of Department of Social Work: "These results are particularly pleasing around impact and demonstrate our research strengths in improving child protection policies and practices, improving the quality of life for people with dementia and sport and physical activity in prisons. This shows the way our research has real life impact on those who often, through circumstances, find themselves vulnerable. We also wish to thank everyone for the hard work that went in to generating the outputs, the impact case studies and the environment statement. In particular we dedicate the outcome of this REF submission to Professor Bob O’Keefe who died earlier this year and whose leading role and vision in shaping the submission was invaluable and ultimately successful."