Our research addresses key areas of educational importance to society and is characterised by its grounding in and impact on classroom practice. The research interests of our staff are varied but there are a number of particular strengths including expertise in educational disadvantage, early years education, special educational needs and inclusion, community relations, literacy, primary science and technology, physical literacy and emotional health and well-being.
Our staff have published in many of the leading international peer-reviewed journals in their respective fields, and frequently present their research findings at research conferences across the UK and Ireland, Europe and further afield.
Our scholarship activity focuses on the creation of classroom resources, working in collaboration with expert practitioners. Stranmillis staff also publish in a range of professional periodicals and are committed to participating in professional bodies. Our ambitious research and scholarship plans at Stranmillis are supported by a designated Research Office and the College’s Research and Scholarship Committee, guided by our two honorary visiting professors, Professor Lynn Ang (UCL) and Professor Adam Boddison OBE (APM).
Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)
The purpose of the REF is for the UK higher education funding bodies to secure the continuation of a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base within UK higher education. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by expert panels for each of the subject-based units of assessment (UOAs). Expert panels are made up of senior academics, international members, and research users.
Following on from its successful participation in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, and previous REF exercises in 2014 and 2021, Stranmillis University College continues to build capacity for excellence in its research and scholarship and is committed to working towards successful outcomes in REF2029.
For more information on the REF, go to http://www.ref.ac.uk
Research Impact
Stranmillis University College is committed to enhancing the impact of our research in its broadest terms, and widen dissemination of our research for the benefit of our communities, whether local, regional or global, including our staff and students. Thus we are fostering a culture where (i) a diverse range of impacts, and the activities employed to achieve them, are considered as an integral part of the research process, and (ii) our research community feels confident and able to realise the full potential of its research and research-related activities by expanding the reach and significance of their work beyond academia.
What is research impact?
Academic impact: the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to academic advances, across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding, methods, theory, application and academic practice.
Wider impact: an effect on, change to or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life, beyond academia.
For example, awareness, perceptions, practices, rights or interests of individuals, organisations, or communities have been advanced and positively influence as a result of their interaction with your research through various knowledge exchange, engagement, or impact activities.
