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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REF 2029 main panel and sub-panel recruitment to launch in December
The REF team are busy working to launch the recruitment process for REF 2029 main and sub-panels in December. This marks an important milestone in the development of the exercise. The REF panels will be composed of leading experts in their respective disciplines and play a crucial role in the REF. The panels are responsible…
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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)…
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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…
