RAE 2008 - Computer Science & Informatics

The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 results for Computer Science and Informatics underscored the leading role of UK universities in advancing research within this rapidly evolving field. The rankings revealed that some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, such as the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh, maintained their positions as front-runners in computer science research.

At the top of the rankings, the University of Cambridge emerged as the leader in computer science and informatics, further solidifying its global reputation as a powerhouse for technological and scientific research. Cambridge's Computer Laboratory has been at the forefront of innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software engineering. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research ensures that it remains at the top, continuing to shape the landscape of computer science globally.

Following closely behind, Imperial College London secured second place in the RAE 2008. Imperial’s Department of Computing is renowned for its research in fields such as computational biology, data science, and cybersecurity. Its strength lies in its ability to merge theoretical research with practical, real-world applications, driving technological advances that have significant impacts on industries ranging from healthcare to finance.

The University of Edinburgh ranked third, with a highly regarded computer science department that has contributed significantly to areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics. Edinburgh’s research is known for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together computer science with fields such as linguistics, engineering, and cognitive science. Its world-leading work in areas like machine learning and natural language processing further bolstered its high standing in the RAE rankings.

The University of Southampton secured fourth place, marking another strong showing for this renowned institution. Southampton’s research focuses on areas such as cyber security, software engineering, and digital technologies. The university’s strong connections with industry and its emphasis on applied research contribute to its high rankings, making it one of the most influential universities for computer science in the UK.

University College London (UCL) rounded out the top five, continuing its tradition of excellence in computer science research. UCL's Department of Computer Science excels in areas such as computational theory, computer vision, and robotics. The university’s collaborative environment and focus on interdisciplinary research have enabled UCL to remain a leading institution for technological innovation.

Other notable institutions in the RAE 2008 rankings include the University of Oxford (6th), the University of Manchester (7th), the University of Glasgow (8th), the University of Nottingham (9th), and Lancaster University (10th). These universities have all demonstrated excellence in computer science research, with contributions to a wide range of subfields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.

The RAE 2008 results for Computer Science and Informatics thus highlighted the continuing strength and global competitiveness of UK universities in this key area. With world-class researchers, cutting-edge facilities, and strong industry connections, these universities continue to lead the way in shaping the future of computer science.

RAE 2008: computer science and informatics results

1 University of Cambridge
2 Imperial College London
3 University of Edinburgh
4 University of Southampton
5 University College London
6 University of Oxford
7 University of Manchester
8 University of Glasgow
9 University of Nottingham
10 Lancaster University
11 University of Liverpool
12 University of Leeds
13 University of Plymouth
14 Queen Mary, University of London
15 University of Birmingham
16 Open University
17 Aberystwyth University
18 University of York
19 University of Bath
20 University of Bristol
21 University of Aberdeen
22 Swansea University
23 University of Newcastle upon Tyne
24 University of Sussex
25 Cardiff University
26 U of Durham
27 U of Leicester
28 Royal Holloway, U of London
29 U of East Anglia
30 Birkbeck College
31 U of Essex
32 U of Sheffield
33 U of Warwick
34 U of Dundee
35 U of Kent
36 U of St Andrews
37 Goldsmiths College, U of London
38 King's College London
39 U of Exeter
40 Queen's Univ Belfast
41 Heriot-Watt Univ
42 City Univ, London
43 Loughborough Univ
44 U of Hertfordshire
45 U of Brighton
46 U of Ulster
47 U of Strathclyde
48 U of Teesside
49 Bangor Univ
50 Oxford Brookes Univ
51 U of Lincoln
52 Liverpool John Moores Univ
53 U of the West of England, Bristol
54 U of Stirling
55 De Montfort Univ
56 U of Surrey
57 Glyndŵr Univ
58 Robert Gordon Univ
59 U of Bradford
60 Middlesex Univ
61 U of Glamorgan
62 Bournemouth Univ
63 Kingston Univ
64 U of Reading
65 Manchester Metropolitan Univ
66 London South Bank Univ
67 Nottingham Trent Univ
68 U of Bedfordshire
69 U of Westminster
70 Coventry Univ
71 Staffordshire Univ
72 U of Huddersfield
73 U of the West of Scotland
74 Napier Uni
75 U of Greenwich
76 U of Portsmouth
77 U of Sunderland
78 Glasgow Caledonian Uni
79 Liverpool Hope Uni
80 Thames Valley Uni
81 London Metropolitan Uni