UK researchers

Reading the BBC News website today, it was refreshing to hear that UK researchers are now considered ‘world class’ and are no longer trailing behind other European or American institutions.

“A huge review of UK academic research has found that 54% of the work assessed in 159 universities was ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. “

The piece of news is reassuring for many that want to pursue a career in academic research – I, myself being one of those individuals. Such articles and ratings such as the RAE in universities do boost morale and motivate people to work harder. The fact that their work is recognised at an international level makes people proud of their accomplishments when their work is recognised by their peers and the people that they look up too. This was definitely true back in 2005, when the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford was voted the 3rd best within the UK after Oxford and Cambridge. The sense of pride was definitely visible within the school of life sciences; however the British being British will never let it get to their heads as it is not seen as the done thing, lol. It is also nice to have confirmation of something that deep down you knew was already true – you were just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up and acknowledge it as well :)