Published: 11 November 2026
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Introduction
The criteria have been developed as a combined statement across the four main panels. Supplementary criteria are set out for each main or sub-panel where applicable. The main and sub-panels’ supplementary criteria are intended to be read alongside the combined criteria, and do not replace them. These criteria also apply, where relevant, to the IL SPRE Panel.
In early 2026, the REF team invited the four main panels to develop their criteria and working methods, with input from their sub-panels. The main panels were invited to agree differences in approaches for particular sub-panels within their remit only where justified by differences in the nature of research in those disciplines. These criteria were also reviewed by the two advisory panels, PDAP and RDAP, with specific focus on areas within their remit: research diversity, including interdisciplinary research; and people, including people diversity.
The Panel criteria should be read alongside the REF 2029 Guidance on Submissions (hereafter the Guidance), which provides an overview of the REF assessment framework and guidance to institutions on preparing their submissions, including the data requirements and definitions that apply.
Together, the Panel criteria and the Guidance, will give a description of the information required in submissions to the REF, and how the REF panels will assess submissions. Panels will not be permitted to depart from the final criteria once published, other than in exceptional circumstances that cannot be accommodated within the published framework. In such cases, we will publish the reason and details in a change log linked in the guidance.