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 2029 sector survey on final policy developments
The REF team will launch a short sector survey on 30 July 2026 to gather targeted feedback on a small number of policy areas for final development. The survey follows the conclusion of the current round of criteria-setting discussions with expert panels and focuses on a limited number of areas where the funding bodies are…
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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.
