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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Updated Code of Practice template published
We have published an updated Code of Practice template which incorporates an additional section to cover the allocation of contracts to Units of Assessment (UoAs). This follows feedback from the CoP Town Hall. All institutions intending to participate in REF 2029 must develop and submit a Code of Practice using the Code of Practice template. …
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New blog and guidance update: Recognising all those who drive research excellence
We have published a new blog by Kelly Vere, Deputy Co-Chair of the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel, highlighting an evolution in the REF 2029 framework: the recognition of all staff who enable or lead research. The REF 2029 guidance has been updated to clarify the definition of eligible employment relationships. This change…
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Code of Practice approvals process published
We have published details on the process for submitting a Code of Practice for approval. All institutions intending to participate in REF 2029 must develop and submit a Code of Practice (CoP). The process for all UK submitting institutions is being coordinated by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) on behalf of the four UK funding…
