Advent Day 16: 16 years of research degree awarding powers

Securing its own Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP) was one of the final major links in the chain as Harper Adams ascended from College to University in the 21st Century.  

The award, made in 2006, came after a period of intense scrutiny.  

Principal at the time, Professor Wynne Jones, said the award was a major accolade and demonstrated that Harper Adams has the research capability and capacity to support its mission to provide higher education for a sustainable food chain and rural economy. 

“This is an important achievement in the history of Harper Adams. It confirms high standards for research and its administration and acknowledges our research-active staff and the success of our PhD students to date.” 

Fast forward to now and the University is fulfilling a far greater research remit, with the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment declaring that 60 percent of the research conducted at Harper Adams University is either world-leading or internationally excellent. 

Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, said: “An increasing proportion of research being carried out at Harper Adams is of international quality – with both world-leading and internationally excellent research being undertaken. 

“This is positive to see in an institution which was granted full university status only a decade ago. 

“The University is increasing research capacity across the areas of greatest value to industry and society. Harper Adams, through its Future Farm, campus technology platforms and outstanding industry partnerships, provides a unique real-world environment that focuses on translatable research delivered in collaboration with and for the benefit of the UK and international agri-food sector.   

“This same environment also contributes to the development of the graduate skills and talent that these vital industry sectors need. As we discuss and finalise the University’s new strategic plan, I look forward to even further growth and acceleration of our impact on society through high-quality research and education in the period ahead.” 

Learn more about research at Harper Adams