Research quality
We top the league table for education research, according to the latest official audit of UK universities.
According to the 2008 RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) results the Institute of Education, London (IOE) tops the league tables* in education research in both quality and quantity. Across all subjects, the IOE's performance places it in the top 10 universities in the UK.
The Institute is the only one of the 81 education submissions to have 35% of its submission judged to be 4* (that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour). In terms of volume, the Institute's submission, 218 FTE, dominated the sector with Edinburgh second at 85 FTE. Overall, the Institute has more 4* researchers in education than Oxford, Cambridge, King's, Bristol, Leeds, Exeter, Manchester Metropolitan, Warwick and York (i.e. the rest of the top 10 education institutions) combined.
Commenting on the results, the Institute's director, Professor Geoff Whitty, said: "Education research in the UK is receiving the recognition it deserves. The affirmation of the outstanding role played by the IOE is particularly welcome, and I am especially pleased that this confirms our position among the great specialist academic institutions in the country. Education touches everyone and quality research transforms the lives of individuals and communities."
The IOE conducts over one-third of all education research in the UK, and over 40% of research funded by the research councils in the field. In 2007-08, the IOE was more successful than any other university institution in securing funding from the research councils.
At any one time, staff at the IOE are engaged in over 250 research projects funded by the research councils, charities, government departments and international agencies. The IOE's income from research projects of over £18 million per annum makes it one of the largest centres of social science research in the UK.
*League tables taken from reports produced by Research Fortnight, a leading research publication.
