22 August 2025 · Research · Professor Alan Reid, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research
Luma University has submitted its institutional research environment statement to the Research Excellence Framework 2029 exercise, outlining how the university supports research quality, integrity and impact across all disciplines. The statement accompanies submissions from 23 units of assessment covering the full range of the institution's research activity.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Professor Alan Reid described the submission as evidence of sustained investment despite financial pressures facing the sector. "We have protected research time for early-career academics, expanded our doctoral training provision, and strengthened support for interdisciplinary projects addressing regional priorities such as health inequalities and decarbonisation," he said.
The environment statement highlights the Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure, the West Midlands Industrial Archive digitisation project, and nursing research partnerships with NHS trusts as examples of research with tangible community benefit. The university reports that 62 per cent of its research outputs are internationally co-authored, reflecting growing global collaboration.
REF results influence the allocation of quality-related research funding from Research England. Luma received £8.2 million in QR funding for 2024–25 and aims to maintain or improve its position in the next assessment cycle. Results are expected in December 2029.
Staff and postgraduate researchers contributed to drafting the statement through faculty consultative committees. A redacted version will be published on the research website following the submission deadline.