archaeology and ancient history at leicester has long been in the vanguard of both archaeology and ancient history research in the uk. in the 2014 research excellence framework (ref), 74% of our research activity, including 100% of our research environment, was classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent', placing us in the top five archaeology departments in the uk, and 1st for the public impact of our research. our research has also achieved international prominence as a result of excavation of the body of richard iii in leicester in 2012 by our professional field archaeologists (ulas), and the ensuing interdisciplinary study of the remains led by our research staff. the rediscovery of the king's remains was an exceptionally spectacular outcome of more typical school activity; investigation and research of archaeological remains and historical records (in this case of leicester's medieval monastery of greyfriars).