World-leading research
The Courtauld Institute鈥檚 research has been assessed as 鈥渨orld-leading鈥 in a national exercise to determine the quality of research in UK universities. The most prestigious specialist university for the study of the history of art in the world, the Courtauld Institute performed at the highest level in the 2021 听The REF measures the quality and impact of research submitted by UK universities across all disciplines.
Across all UK institutions, the Courtauld Institute is tied 1st for research environment, a remarkable accomplishment, and critical given that this supports and enables our world-leading research. The Courtauld Institute is tied 12th听in the UK for 4* research overall, and 6th听for 4* outputs.
89% of the Courtauld Institute’s research was deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour. The research environment was found to be of path-leading quality, with 100% assessed as 4*, i.e., the maximum possible score.
The Courtauld Institute鈥檚 leadership of its subject is demonstrated in a submission of 37 researchers to the exercise. This included 26 members of History of Art faculty, five members of Conservation faculty, four senior curators, and two early career researchers (ECRs). Our lead curators were submitted alongside academic colleagues for the first time, offering a richer picture of the Courtauld Institute鈥檚 research culture and strengths.
The Courtauld鈥檚 Final REF 2021 Code of Practice and Equality Impact Assessment can be accessed here.