"Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary and York have demonstrated that - like all other Russell Group members - they excel in research, innovation and education and have a critical mass of research excellence across a wide range of disciplines."

http://www.dur.ac.uk/news/newsitem/?itemno=14181

http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/regional/four-universities-join-elite-group-1-4338413#

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/shortcuts/2012/mar/13/russell-group-four-new-members