BU Research Blog

Reading the latest version of the REFAssessment relating to submission guidelines it is evident that we are assessed using a criteria based on international standards (http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/pubs/2011/02_11/).  The quality profile is framed around terms such as “world leading”, “internationally excellent” and “recognised internationally” that define four, three and two star research. It is accepted that research should operate at an international level in terms of activities such as conference networking, outputs, collaboration and grant bidding.

One of the great benefits of conducting research at University is the opportunity to attend international conferences. Meeting other academics across the world has real developmental opportunities in addition to receiving valuable subject specific feedback during presentation questions and informal discussions. At a recent international conference in Maltathe conference delegates were invited to spend an afternoon at the University Engineering Faculty in Msida (http://www.um.edu.mt/eng). After presentations from the Faculty Dean and members of academic staff the delegates were shown around the laboratories etc. This was a great opportunity to form new academic links and to understand both the research and educational pressures and opportunities.

It would be interesting if we develop our measurements of success relating to the value of international research. We could for example look more closely at the number of overseas visiting academics, publications with international co-authors or the linkages with post-graduate taught programmes. If we identify and extend the full value of international research beyond its formal boundaries it will benefit all academic activities such as education and professional practice.