The University of Manchester’s School of Dentistry has been ranked the top dental school in the country for high-quality research.
Results from the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) placed the school first in the UK in terms of the quality of its academic research.
Thirty per cent of the School’s researchers were deemed to carry out research that was internationally leading, attracting the top 4* grade, while a further 45% of those assessed by the RAE carried out research that was world class (3*). The remaining 25% published research of international significance (2*).
The RAE provides an independent assessment and measure of the quality and volume of research in a range of subjects conducted in universities and other higher education institutions in the UK against international standards of excellence. It enables the higher education funding bodies to distribute, on the basis of research quality, significant public funds for future research.
Head of School Dr Nick Grey said: ‘The School of Dentistry at Manchester is reaping the rewards of a bold strategy by the team led by the previous Head of School, Professor Kevin O’Brien, to engage staff in areas of their strengths.
‘This strategy allows staff to address clear goals that relate to both excellence in research and excellence in teaching and learning. The RAE results are a testimony to the dedication of everyone in the School who work together as a great team.’
The latest success in the RAE results caps a remarkable year for the School of Dentistry at Manchester.
In October, the School celebrated coming top among all UK dental schools for student satisfaction. This accolade had followed news that the class of 2008 had achieved a historic 100% pass rate in their final Bachelor of Dentistry Surgery degrees.
Dr Grey added: ‘The excellent performance of our students in achieving a 100% pass rate and our top ranking for student satisfaction reflects the School’s commitment to placing student feedback high on the agenda.
‘The fact that we have coupled these successes with an outstanding result in the RAE demonstrates that Manchester is not only the premier destination for dentistry students but for academic staff as well.’
