Nevertheless, according to the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014) published on 18 December 2014,[14] Abertay was the highest ranked modern university in Scotland for 'research intensity'.[15] The University submitted an increased proportion of staff in REF2014 compared to RAE2008 and achieved an average score of 2.15 - which in REF terms means 'quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance, and rigour'. This was an improvement from the average score of 1.83, 'national recognition', achieved in RAE2008.