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 confirms final approach to capturing UK university research excellence
Today, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 team has published the final Guidance on Submissions and Panel Criteria and Working Methods, giving institutions clarity to prepare their submissions ahead of the deadline in November 2028, and confirming the criteria that expert panels will use to assess the quality, impact and health of research across every…
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REF 2029 criteria and guidance to be published mid-November
The full REF 2029 Panel criteria and working methods, along with updates to the published Guidance, will be released in mid-November. This confirms the timing previously announced as autumn 2026, to support planning for institutions ahead of implementation.
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Sub-panel 3 renamed to recognise midwifery
The Research Excellence Framework has renamed one of its 34 sub-panels to ensure midwifery is explicitly recognised within its assessment structure ahead of REF 2029. Sub-panel 3, previously titled “Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy”, will now be known as “Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Midwifery, Nursing and Pharmacy”. The change follows feedback received during…
