CREAM scored the highest recognition for impactful research according to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework 2021. The results, published on May 12, confirmed its place as a world-leading centre in art and design with an outstanding research environment. 

The REF2021 panel for the unit of submission Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory judged 100% of CREAM’s impact case studies to be world-leading (4*). 86.7% of its research outputs were judged to be world-leading and internationally excellent, with a majority in the highest category: 51.8% of CREAM’s submitted outputs were classified as world-leading (4*), and 34.9% internationally excellent (3*). CREAM’s research environment was classified as 90% world-leading (4*). Overall, 70% of CREAM’s research scored 4*. The Times Higher Education GPA ranking has placed CREAM in the top five.

May Adadol Ingawanij and Neal White, CREAM Co-Directors said:

“We are delighted by this stunning result and are grateful to the very large number of CREAM researchers that have made this possible. Special congratulations to the Black Music Research Unit directed by Mykaell Riley, the Ceramics Research Centre directed by Clare Twomey, and Joshua Oppenheimer for leading projects with phenomenal social and cultural impact. 

In the year that CREAM celebrates its 20^th anniversary, the REF2021 result is an unequivocal recognition of the strength, impact and diversity of our research culture. We have strong, proud roots as a Centre for practice and interdisciplinary arts research with a global contemporary focus. In our third decade we resolve to play a leading role in nurturing the next generations of researchers engaging with key global issues through artistic and creative research.”