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.
Latest news
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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…
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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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Update to the HESA Staff record 2024/25 collection for REF volume measure pilot year
As published in the Initial Decisions, for REF 2029 institutions will submit outputs, not staff, to the assessment exercise. The funding bodies have highlighted these changes today to vice chancellors and principals. You can see a copy of the circular letter issued by Research England on their website. Following a working group with the Higher…
