HEFCE funds RAE success

In December a panel of 16 chemists reported in the 2008 research assessment exercise (RAE) that 'UK chemistry remains buoyant and internationally competitive'. In contrast to the previous RAE in 2001, the latest exercise aimed to 'reward excellence in research wherever it is found'. After evaluating some 5000 research publications from 1200 UK chemists, the panel produced research profiles for 31 chemistry departments which show the percentage of research activity in five quality levels, ranging from below national standard (0), through internationally recognised and excellent (2* and 3*), to world-leading (4*). Overall, 15 per cent of research was judged world-leading. Cambridge tops the table of chemistry departments with Nottingham second and Oxford ranked third.

Speaking to Education in Chemistry panel chair Professor Jeremy Sanders of the University of Cambridge said, 'the exercise showed that over the past seven years universities in the UK made progress in chemistry across the board. Investment has improved the infrastructure for chemical research and the appointment of young researchers has lowered the age-profile of many departments'. Early career researchers made up 19 per cent of the chemistry community submitted to the RAE. However, the panel was concerned that a lack of start-up funding within departments would limit opportunities for these young chemists to develop long-term research plans and achieve their research potential. 

The RAE revealed that research in chemistry is growing at the boundaries with other disciplines, with UK departments being strong in fields such as chemical biology, supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience. The panel, however, warned that the nature of chemists' work should not become too focused on interdisciplinary science.