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Research across the UK

The UK is home to some of the world's leading scientific research, taking place in numerous universities, research institutions and companies.  

There are over 160 universities in the UK. There are 2 UK universities in the top 3 universities in the world, listed in the 2024 worldwide university rankings. Plus 4 UK universities listed in the top 10.

The UK is ranked 3rd worldwide for published scientific research, with nearly 200,000 citable publications in 2020 alone.

Although it represents just 0.9 per cent of the global population, the UK produces 13% per cent of the world’s most highly cited scientific research.

The UK also excels in international research collaboration. Nearly 60% of the UK’s publications were co-authored with at least one non-UK researcher currently the highest amongst comparator countries.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF 21) report rated 41% of the UK university research submitted as 'world leading' and 47% as 'internationally excellent'. This report was published in 2022 by the four higher education funding bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Source: Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2021)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a public body dedicated to research and innovation. They invest £8 billion each year into research and innovation, in areas including biodiversity conservation, quantum computing, space telescopes and innovative health care. UKRI activities include funding projects, developing researchers’ skills, strengthening research infrastructure, supporting commercialisation of research and engaging with the public on science. They are sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

University spin-out companies are very important for the UK economy, with investment increasing almost five-fold from 2014 to 2023. The UK Government have recently committed to making the UK the best place in the world to start a spin-out company. As well as investing £500 million investment in AI, to make the UK the best place to begin an AI start-up