Last updated: 11 November 2026
To see the recordings and slides from previous events, visit our Resources page.
We strive to make our website easy to use and navigate. If you have any feedback on the website design, the new format of the REF guidance, or ideas on how to improve navigation, please email us. For other queries please see the Contact page for details of how to get in touch.
To view details of how we manage data related to REF events read our transparency statement.
REF town halls and forums
We use this page to advertise any upcoming opportunities to hear directly from the REF team.
Join our town halls to get an overview of the new guidance and put your questions to the REF team.
- These events are free and open to all
- All data collected during each event will be retained for 30 days. For more information see our transparency statement on REF events.
- You can see recordings of past ones on the Resources page
- Sign up to our email list to hear about any new events
Sessions on final guidance and criteria
We are running a series of webinars and events to support institutions following the publication of the final REF 2029 Guidance on Submissions and Panel Criteria and Working Methods. All sessions are open to everyone.
Launch webinar
- 18 November 2026, 15:00 to 16:00
- An overview of the final guidance and criteria with the REF team, followed by a Q&A session
- No need to register, return to this page on the day and select this link to join the webinar
- A recording of the webinar will be shared on the Resources page
Special requests webinar
- 26 November 2026, 10:00 to 11:00
- An overview of the special requests routes and processes with the REF team, followed by a Q&A
- No need to register, return to this page on the day to find the link to join the webinar
- A recording of the webinar will be shared on the Resources page
HE Pro conference: Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)
- 1 December 2026, 09:40 to 10:20
- Professor Jane Falkingham and Helena Mills will discuss SPRE in the final REF 2029 framework, followed by a Q&A session
- Although part of a paid-for conference, this session is free and open to access, register here. See their website for the full programme
Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) webinar
- 3 December 2026, 11:00 to 12:00
- An overview of the final CKU guidance and criteria with the REF team, followed by a Q&A session
- No need to register, return to this page on the day to find the link to join the webinar
- A recording of the webinar will be shared on the Resources page
Research Agenda Live Session
- 19 January 2027, 11:00 to 12:30
- Free to access, see their website for details.
Engagement and Impact (E&I) webinar
- 20 January 2027, 15:00 to 16:00
- An overview of the final E&I guidance and criteria with the REF team, followed by a Q&A session
- No need to register, return to this page on the day to find the link to join the webinar
- A recording of the webinar will be shared on the Resources page
HESA amendments webinar
- Early 2027 – date and time to be confirmed
Systems user participation
For the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 we want to put users at the heart of our system design. To involve users through all stages of system design, development and testing, we need your help. If you would be interested in joining our database of REF users please look at the opportunities.