PolyU achieves high ratings in Research Assessment Exercise 2020

The University Grants Committee (UGC) announced today (May 24) the results of Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020, in which PolyU received high ratings in various research areas. PolyU is delighted to see the encouraging results and believes that they are a recognition of the University’s dedicated efforts in pursuing research excellence over the years.

A total of 686 PolyU academic staff submitted a total of 2,611 research outputs, 50 impact case studies and 20 research environment submissions in RAE 2020. Of the 11 panels in which PolyU was rated as “world-leading” (4-star) and “internationally excellent” (3-star), PolyU's performance in the area of Physical Sciences was the best among all UGC-funded institutions. Furthermore, all of PolyU's research impact case studies and research environment submissions in the area of Creative Arts, Performing Arts & Design received 4-star ratings, which was the best performance in this area among the eight UGC-funded institutions.

Among the 20 units of assessment in which PolyU was assessed, PolyU received outstanding ratings with the highest percentage of 4-star and 3-star ratings for “Materials Science and Materials Technology”, “Computer Studies/Science” and “Hotel Management and Tourism”. PolyU also performed well in the units of assessment for Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering (incl. Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering), Textile Technology and Aerospace Engineering, as well as Civil Engineering (incl. Construction Engineering & Management) and Building Technology. PolyU’s Optometry, Rehabilitation Sciences and other health care professions have also shown marked improvements in research performance.

Professor Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “Over the years, PolyU has been working tirelessly in research and innovation, with a clear purpose to contribute to the betterment of mankind. Our researchers are committed to conducting forward-looking research projects, and our research strengths are enhanced through interdisciplinary exchanges and inter-institutional partnerships. PolyU will continue to build on its strengths to make further progress in impactful research, in order to address societal challenges now and in the future.”

The UGC took constant effort in assessing the research performance of the UGC-funded universities through the RAE 2020. The period covered in this assessment was from October 2013 to September 2019. Over 4,200 eligible academic staff from the eight institutions submitted about 16,000 research outputs, 340 research impact case studies and 190 research environment submissions. Among the projects assessed, 70% were rated as “internationally excellent” or above by international experts, confirming the strength of local institutions in scientific research.

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