The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) have recently been published and for the first time, include the University College of Osteopathy (UCO).
The UCO was the only specialist osteopathic institution to enter a submission, representing a huge step forward for the UCO and research development for the osteopathic profession in the UK.
REF is a UK-wide assessment of university research carried out by the four UK higher education funding bodies which consider the research output, impact and environment of participating universities across a wide range of subject areas.
The UCO’s research work has supported osteopaths’ awareness of evidence-informed practice and patient management as well as promoted osteopaths’ skills in delivering biopsychosocial-informed care.
Steven Vogel, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at the UCO, responded: ‘I am delighted by the recognition of the high quality of some of our research work and grateful to Dr Hilary Abbey for leading the submission from our small part-time team of six researchers.
‘The process has led to a great deal of learning, and we are revising our research and knowledge exchange strategies to reflect this. As a small institution, our research environment requires further development, and we are excited about enhancing the impact of our work in the future.’
For further enquiries contact Steven Vogel at steven.vogel@uco.ac.uk
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