REF recognises impact of Film Studies research
The Department of Film is pleased to announce its strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) with 87% of its research being rated 3* or 4* - indicating internationally excellent and world-leading quality – and 100% being awarded the same rating for its impact.
The REF assesses the quality of research taking place between 2008 and 2013 in UK higher education institutions. The Department entered 16 members of staff and two early career researchers.
Film Studies has more than doubled its size since the first submission of its research to the Research Assessment Exercise in 2008. This growth has allowed the Department of Film to strengthen its unique position amongst film departments in London as specialists of cutting-edge research into the history and theory of film rather than a blend of theory and practice or film and media studies.
Dr Rosalind Galt, Head of the Department of Film Studies, said: ‘Growing our Department has allowed us to develop outstanding research clusters in European, Asian and North American cinema as well as maintaining an international profile in critical theory and cultural history. We are delighted that the Department’s diverse expertise and excellent research has been recognised.’
A new element of the REF was the requirement for higher education institutions to demonstrate the impact of its research on the economy, society, culture, public policy, services, health or environment, beyond academia. The Department of Film has developed relationships with key audiences such as the local community, UK school students as well as international audiences through collaborations with the BFI Southbank, film festivals and various artists.
Ginette Vincendeau, Professor of Film Studies, has influenced cultural life through her work to develop more critically-informed audiences for French cinema. She has collaborated with the BFI Southbank to programme a series on French film stars and filmmakers and her work building Britain’s love of French cinema.
Professor Richard Dyer’s research on music, film and culture has had a significant impact on cultural life and the presentation of cultural heritage. His research on the Italian composer Nino Rota relates both to his work on the use of song in film and to his work on lesbian and gay culture. This research, as well as his wide scholarship on classical Hollywood and Italian cinemas, has been the basis for collaborations with the BFI, leading to major screening seasons and has led to impact activities both in the UK and internationally. He has curated several film seasons, including on filmmakers Federico Fellini and Vincente Minelli, as well as a Nino Rota season for which he also gave an introductory public lecture.