research excellence framework 2014

Research Excellence Framework

Securing a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021 . The next exercise is planned for 2029.

What is the REF’s purpose?

• Inform the allocation of block-grant research funding to HEIs based on research quality
• Provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment
• Provide insights into the health of research in HEIs in the UK

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by sub-panels focused on subject-based units of assessment (UoAs), under the guidance of overarching main panels and advisory panels. For the purposes of the REF, research is defined as a process of investigation leading to new insights, effectively shared.

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Launch of submission size survey

Today we have launched a submission size survey for REF 2029.   This survey is to understand the potential volume change of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff in each REF Unit of Assessment (UoA) for Higher Education Institutions (HEI) since REF 2021. Significant national increases or decreases in FTE at the Unit of Assessment (UoA)…

Membership confirmed for REF advisory panels 

Today the REF Team have announced the membership of the Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP) and the People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP).  The RDAP will develop strategies to support the equitable recognition of diverse forms of research within REF 2029 development, delivery and assessment.  The PDAP will develop strategies to support recognition of a…

REF 2029 main panel chair recruitment

We are pleased to announce that you can now apply to become a chair for the REF 2029 main panels.   We welcome and encourage applications from diverse groups. There are four main panels and we are seeking to appoint sector leaders in the broad areas of:  Find out more about the role requirements and how…

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How Research England supports research excellence

Research excellence framework.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers (HEPs).

The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.

The REF was first carried out in 2014, replacing the previous Research Assessment Exercise. Research England manages the REF on behalf of all the four UK higher education funding bodies:

• Research England
• Scottish Funding Council
• Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
• Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland.

The funding bodies’ shared policy aim for research assessment is to secure the continuation of a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education.

REF objectives

The REF objectives are to:

• provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment
• provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks, for use in the higher education sector and for public information
• inform the selective allocation of funding for research.

Find out more on the REF website.

REF progress update: November 2023

REF progress update: December 2023

Last updated: 8 April 2024

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