Change log – Section 1 – Overview

Published: 10 December 2025

Section 1 – Overview shows the latest version of the guidance. Any changes made since the initial publication are detailed below.

Content

4. Key changes for REF 2029
9. Structure of submissions

4. Key changes for REF 2029

Paragraph number: 4.1.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: To support a broader assessment of excellence in REF 2029, the funding bodies have reshaped and rebalanced the three core assessment elements of the REF to include a broader range of research and impact-enabling activities. Depending on the outcome of the PCE pilot, these weightings will be confirmed. The bullet points below will be updated at a later date.

People, culture and environment (25% weighting) – replaces the environment element and will include an increased emphasis on research culture.

Contribution to knowledge and understanding (50% weighting) – replaces the outputs element. It will largely be based on assessment of research outputs and will also include evidence of broader contributions to the advancement of the discipline.

Engagement and impact (25% weighting) – replaces the impact element. It will consist of impact case studies and an accompanying statement.
Updated content: To support a broader assessment of excellence in REF 2029, the funding bodies have reshaped and rebalanced the three core assessment elements of the REF to include a broader range of research and impact-enabling activities.

Strategy, people and research environment (20% weighting) – replaces the environment element and includes an increased emphasis on research environment.

Contribution to knowledge and understanding (55% weighting) – replaces the outputs element. It will be based on assessment of research outputs.

Engagement and impact (25% weighting) – replaces the impact element. It will consist of impact case studies.

Paragraph number: 4.2.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Focusing on people, culture and environment
Updated content: Focusing on strategy, people and research environment

Paragraph number: 4.2.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: The funding bodies will expand the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element for REF 2029, reflecting a global shift that recognises research culture as crucial in supporting high quality research with impact. Initially, a pilot of this approach will be conducted in collaboration with the sector to refine the methodology before wider implementation.
Updated content: The funding bodies will expand the Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) element for REF 2029, reflecting a global shift that recognises research environment as crucial in supporting high quality research with impact. A pilot of this approach was conducted in collaboration with the sector to refine the methodology before wider implementation.

9. Structure of submissions

Paragraph number: 9.0.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Submissions to the REF are made in 34 Units of Assessment, (UoAs). For REF 2029 there are 34 sub-panels, one for each UoA. HEIs are required to make submissions in each of the disciplinary areas (UoAs) where they have contracts that contribute to the volume measure. Further information on the allocation of contracts to UoAs can be found in Section 3, Volume Measure guidance. On an exceptional basis, HEIs may apply for a small unit exception request. More information on this process will follow in the Submissions section of the guidance.
Updated content: Submissions to the REF are made in 34 Units of Assessment, (UoAs). For REF 2029 there are 34 sub-panels, one for each UoA. HEIs are required to make submissions in each of the disciplinary areas (UoAs) where they have contracts that contribute to the volume measure. Further information on the allocation of contracts to UoAs can be found in Section 3, Volume Measure guidance. As with REF 2021, there will be a small unit exception process. More information on this process will follow in the Submissions section of the guidance.

Paragraph number: 9.0.2.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: The submission elements consist of the following components. Depending on the outcome of the PCE pilot, these weightings will be confirmed.
Updated content: The submission elements consist of the following components.

Paragraph number: 9.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: People, Culture and Environment (PCE)
Updated content: Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)

Paragraph number: 9.1.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: 25% of the overall assessment score
Updated content: 20% of the overall assessment score

Paragraph number: 9.1.2.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: An institution level evidence statement. The statement takes the form of a structured questionnaire and focus on quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Updated content: An institution level evidence statement on strategy, people and research environment.

Paragraph number: 9.1.3.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Disciplinary level evidence statement on PCE.
Updated content: A unit level evidence statement on strategy, people and research environment.

Paragraph number: 9.2.1.
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: 50% of the overall assessment score.
Updated content: 55% of the overall assessment score.

Paragraph number: 9.2.3. – deleted
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Disciplinary level evidence statement on CKU.
Updated content: n/a

Paragraph number: 9.3.3. – deleted
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Disciplinary level evidence statement on E&I.
Updated content: n/a

Paragraph number: 9.4. – deleted
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: Format of submission element components

The points below may be updated at a later date once the weightings are confirmed.

The disciplinary level evidence statements takes the form of a single structured questionnaire with separate sections relating to each assessment element. The sections contribute to the assessment score for the related element. The disciplinary level statements focus on quantitative and qualitative evidence.

E&I disciplinary evidence statements will be weighted and contribute a percentage of the assessment score for the submission element. The final weighting will be agreed in consultation with the expert panels.

CKU evidence statement will contribute a percentage of the assessment score for submission element. The final weighting will be agreed in consultation with the expert panels.

PCE institution level evidence-based statement will take the form of a structured questionnaire and focus on quantitative and qualitative evidence. The statement will be developed as part of the PCE pilot.
Updated content: n/a

Paragraph number: 9.4. (previously 9.5.)
Updated on: 10 December 2025
Original content: 9.5. Panels and sub-panels
Updated content: This has now changed to 9.4. Panels and sub-panels so the entire sub-section has been renumbered. The content remains the same.