School of Social and Political Science

Content

Our Anthropology and Development Studies submission to REF2021 has been ranked first in the UK by Research Professional for the overall quality and breadth of our research, which is the University of Edinburgh’s preferred metric. Over four-fifths (81%) of our submission has been rated world-leading or internationally excellent. 

Highly rated research outputs 

Our REF2021 submission showcased research from across Social Anthropology and the Centre of African Studies. Our overlapping interests coalesce in six themes:  

• health and wellbeing 
• infrastructure and innovation  
• politics and law  
• religion in society  
• relatedness and relationships 
• media cultures.  

Over three-quarters (77%) of our submitted research outputs have been rated world-leading or internationally excellent for their originality, significance, and rigour. An impressive 57 of our 142 submitted research outputs were rated world-leading (4*). 

Research impact recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent 

Our impact case studies:  

• strengthened the bonds between Gaelic language and culture and the fishing industry in Scotland 
• contributed to UNESCO’s inscription of Chagossian sega music as intangible cultural heritage 
• influenced how the UN Human Rights System addresses the needs of torture survivors living in poor communities  
• contributed to the fight against corruption in Malawi and Nigeria 
• set new standards for best practice in sustainable design across the global off-grid solar industry.  

Four-fifths (80%) of our impact case studies have been recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent for their reach and significance beyond academia. 

Rated one of the top research environments in the UK 

Drawing on our international networks and interdisciplinary collaborations, we secured more than £15m in external research funding during the REF2021 period, with major highlights including: 

• Four new European Research Council (ERC) grants totalling over €7.2m 
• Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) grants totalling over £10m (fEC) 
• Thirteen externally funded research fellowships (of which ten were for early career fellows) totalling over £2.8m (fEC). 

Our research environment has been rated 100% world-leading or internationally excellent for its vitality and sustainability, ranking joint second nationally.  

Large and inclusive submission  

Underpinned by our excellent track record in securing external research funding, alongside increased demand for our research-led teaching, we have sustained a long-term strategy of expansion. Our inclusive submission of 65 people (63.5 FTE) was the largest Anthropology and Development Studies submission to REF2021 and reflects substantial growth since REF2014 when we submitted 37 people (34.45 FTE). Our submission was well-balanced, with high-quality research outputs contributed by colleagues across all career stages.  

Women comprise 48% of submitted staff (up from 38% in REF2014), and research outputs contributed by women reflect the proportion of women staff by FTE, testifying to our continued commitment to furthering EDI across Social Anthropology and the Centre of African Studies.