New data reveals which top universities’ research is favoured by civil service

A recent survey by Dods Research found that releases from the London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and University College London appear to have the largest impact on civil servants' day-to-day work.

It also found that policy professionals are more likely to use research from the LSE (11%), Cambridge (10%) and Edinburgh (8%).

The findings were part of the new Dods Research Higher Education Index, which surveyed 1120 civil servants on their interaction with, and awareness of Russell Group universities in the UK.

The index allows the universities to identify where, how and by whom their research is being used, and its relative usefulness in civil servants' work.

Of those who responded identifying which universities they engage with on a frequent basis, Cardiff (7%) and Queen’s in Belfast (6%) were commonly referenced.

The civil service considers Cambridge to produce the highest quality research, although LSE and Oxford receive very similar scores.

The data also highlighted that civil servants’ use of research from specific institutions varies widely. In general, respondents had low awareness of the research outputs of all universities on the list, even the best-performing institutions.

Interestingly, the results did not show evidence that civil servants favour their alma mater’s publications above others.

Further information: To access further details on the result findings contact Keith Donnington.