Queen's University Belfast has been ranked among the top 20 UK university's for its research quality and impact.

It follows a UK-wide research assessment of higher education institutions.

In addition, more than 75% of the university's researchers are undertaking world-class or internationally-leading research.

The 'Research Excellence Framework' (REF) assesses the quality and impact of research being carried out by the UK's higher education institutions. It is also used to allocate some £2bn in research funding within the UK.

With more than 95% of Queen's academic staff returned for assessment, the REF found the university has 14 subject areas ranked within the UK's top 20, while 76% of its research classified in the top two categories of world leading and internationally excellent.

Welcoming the findings, Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Johnston, said: "I am delighted with today's announcement and I would pay tribute to all the hard work of my colleagues that has resulted in this excellent result.

"Queen's University has continued to make substantial progress since the 2008 assessment exercise, with the majority of research areas demonstrating significant improvement.

"It is particularly satisfying that the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) has highlighted the depth of quality of Queen's research across the whole university. Whether it is in food security, pharmacy, health, modern languages, cyber security, education or history, Queen's research has performed magnificently."

He added: "Through the introduction of the new 'impact' measure, REF 2014 has recognised Queen's as one of the top UK research-intensive universities.

"Queen's impacts right across our society by creating jobs, informing government policy and developing new treatments for many of the world's most chronic illnesses, protecting children and creating new technology.

"Through its global research excellence, Queen's is having a real and meaningful impact on society by improving people's lives, and not just in Northern Ireland, but right across the world.

"Research at Queen's also makes a huge contribution to the local economy through creating new technologies and new companies and delivering real benefit to our non-academic partners. By working alongside major businesses such as Seagate, Bombardier, Wrightbus, FG Wilson, Randox and Almac, Queen's research is applied to market challenges and 'real world' projects."

A total of 154 universities took part in the assessment. Northern Ireland's other university, University of Ulster, remained in 38th position.

(JP/MH)