Religious Studies at Lancaster ranked top in UK for research impact

Research in Religious Studies at Lancaster University has been ranked as having the biggest impact on culture and society in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The REF measures the quality of research conducted in universities and other higher education institutions in the UK against international standards of excellence. The 2014 REF differs from the previously-used RAE assessment as it measures how research makes a significant impact on society, culture and economies outside of universities. All of Lancaster University's Religious Studies research is considered to be of at least internationally excellent quality for impact, with 87 per cent of the department's research impact ranked as world-leading - the highest in the UK. Among world-leading work assessed as part of the REF process was Professor Linda Woodhead's work on 'Recasting the Public Debate on Religion'. Professor Woodhead has argued for an updated, expanded understanding of religion and belief in the UK today. Her research has influenced the Equality and Human Rights Commission's handling of new equalities legislation, and it has significantly enhanced public discussion through the Westminster Faith Debates - co-organised with former Home Secretary, and Lancaster University Visiting Professor in Religion and Faith, Charles Clarke.