A new study by Elsevier, has found that research carried out in Scotland’s universities has an “exceptional” international impact. Scottish research is cited 76% more frequently than the global average while 60% of its research publications are co-authored with international partners, nearly three times the global average.
Dr Sarah Main, the author of the study and Vice-President of Elsevier, said;
“This is a very strong story for what universities deliver for Scotland in economic dynamism, and stimulation of the economy, but also for people delivering meaningful value to society.
“There is no doubt that Scotland is a centre of exceptional research. The research coming out of Scottish universities and businesses is very widely referenced by researchers around the world – it is exceptionally high.
“Universities are contributing meaningful societal benefit because they collaborate across society, so that they’re making connections with businesses, with government, with hospitals, with museums, with public bodies, and through that, the research that they deliver has has very high impact.
“Scotland has strength in research related to environmental topics, and then it has some really distinctive strengths in social justice areas, like poverty, peace and justice, and sustainable cities.”
Dr Main added that Scotland’s research;
“elevates overall UK research outputs” and outperforms the rest of the UK.
“If the people of Scotland and the government of Scotland think that is a good thing, then it’s useful to understand how those things are supported and nurtured for the future, because they’re not a given to continue – these things can be fragile and they can change over time.
“It is also true that other countries are really accelerating and there is very positive growth in research capability all around the world. So the question then becomes how does Scotland continue to nurture and support the sort of qualities and assets it has from its amazing universities and research?”
Professor James Miller, Convener of Universities Scotland, said the report demonstrates the;
“very significant economic and social asset we have in our universities, that can drive Scotland’s economic growth and strengthen our public services through innovation.
“Twice the global average – that’s worth repeating. That shows the extent to which our universities are pro-active in partnering with industry and delivering impact. It also speaks to the value of higher education research as a Scottish export. The foundation stone of our research success is the leverage we derive from the public investment we receive.”
Pointing to the upcoming UK and Scottish Government budgets, Professor Miller said they must bare in mind “there is now clearer evidence demonstrating the exceptional return on investment in Scottish research”.
You can read more about the Elsevier study in The Scotsman, published on Monday 20 October.