REF Recognition for ID@OU Research

Nearly 70% of International Development at The Open University (ID@OU) research has been graded 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) process, the system that assesses the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. IKD's cross-faculty activity was also recognised as a key element of ID@OU's outstanding research environment, which was graded third in the UK.

ID@OU has significantly improved its research grades since the precursor to REF, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), was conducted in 2008. In summary:

• 100% of research was assessed as 4* (world-leading) or 3* (internationally excellent) for impact
• 100% of the environment for research in Anthropology and Development Studies was assessed as 4* or 3*
• Overall the proportion of 4* and 3* activity increased from 45% to 69%.

Highlights of ID@OU research activity include:

• Leading the discussion of the impact of the Rising Powers – in particular China – on Africa, where OU researchers' emphasis on the proactive role of African agents has overturned the assumption that Africa has no say in shaping its own destiny.
• The ESRC Innogen Centre's significant role in highlighting how overly complex regulation can prevent the development of innovative and potentially beneficial technologies in medicines and agricultural products.
• Research into private sector investment and innovation processes in Africa, which has had direct impact on the health and agriculture sectors, improving food security and contributing to the local production of pharmaceuticals and access to medicines.

Read more about the REF 2014 results for Anthropology and Development Studies.