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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Recording published for the Volume Measure and Code of Practice Town Hall
The recording and slide pack for the Volume Measure and Code of Practice Guidance are now available on the Get Involved page. We will follow up with a published list of questions and answers soon. Visit the Get involved page for details on our upcoming town halls and drop in forums on the following topics:
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Recording published for the People, Culture and Environment Pilot Town Hall
The recording for the Town Hall on the PCE Pilot Guidance is now available. We will follow up with a published list of questions and answers soon. Visit the Get involved page for details on our upcoming town halls and drop in forums on the following topics:
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Recording published for the Open Access Town Hall
The recording of today’s Town Hall on the REF Open Access Policy is now available. We will follow up with a published list of questions and answers soon. Visit the Get involved page for details on our upcoming town halls on the following topics:
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