King’s is at the forefront of biomedical engineering research with a particular focus on imaging and computational modelling technologies. There is an integrated approach to the research covering image acquisition, reconstruction and computational analysis as well as imaging chemistry. Imaging and other data is then interpreted using novel biophysical and statistical models. This interdisciplinary research has a strong translation focus to improve patient care for a wide range of diseases.

We were delighted by our excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), with 99% of our research outputs being rated 4* and 3* in the unit of assessment for general engineering, and 99% of our overall performance achieving these ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ ratings.  

We are ranked first in terms of the overall proportion of our submissions rated at 4* or 3*, and fifth in the UK based on our Grade Point Average.  

The REF assessed the quality of research carried out between 2008 and 2013 in UK higher education institutions. A new element of the REF was the requirement for institutions to demonstrate the impact of their research, where we were equal first overall in terms of the quality of our impact.  

A total of 57 staff from the Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering  were submitted as part of the assessment – almost half of these were early career researchers, a reflection of our pool of young and exciting academic talent.  Of the impact case studies submitted, all were rated as having outstanding impact (80% at 4*) or very considerable impact (20% at 3*) in terms of reach and significance. 

Professor Reza Razavi, Head of the Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering , says:  “The Division’s overriding goal is to deliver scientifically informed solutions to biomedical problems by combining fundamental research in engineering, physics, mathematics, computing, and chemistry with medicine and biology.”

Read King's case study on MRI-Guided Cardiovascular Catheterisation in Children

Read King's case study on Simultaneous PET & MRI

Read REF results for Imperial College London