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.
Connect with the REF team
Latest news
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REF Q&A session with Advisory Panel Chairs
The REF 2029 Advisory Panel Chairs Professor Alis Oancea (Research Diversity Advisory Panel) and Professor Simon Macklin (People and Diversity Advisory Panel) will be speaking from the ARMA conference and taking your questions. They will be joined by Rebecca Emmett, Head of Research Assessment Policy and the session will be chaired by REF Panel Advisor, Pilar…
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New blog: Next steps for REF Managers in SPRE preparations
In a new blog published today, REF 2029 Secretariat members Dr Cathal Rogers and Dr Gemma Fitzsimmons, share how their institutions are beginning to prepare Strategy, People, and Research Environment (SPRE) submissions.
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Interim REF Director appointment
Helena Mills will take up the role of Interim REF Director from April 2026. Helena has held senior responsibilities within Research England’s funding policy and delivery, including oversight of strategic institutional research funding, the Transparency Programme, and the Expanding Excellence in England Fund. Helena previously held the role of Head of Policy in REF 2021 and has wider…
