Section 5: Assessment criteria – Submissions

Approach to aggregation

For the REF 2029, the funding bodies expect that, where possible, all outputs will be submitted to the Unit of Assessment to which they align. However, the main panels recognise that HEIs may choose to group their research to reflect existing multi-disciplinary and multi-subject research groupings, interdisciplinary developments and structural arrangements or changes in the institution. Main panels also recognise that HEIs may have outputs that do not align to the UoA descriptors of any UoA to which they are able to make a submission.

Where an HEI is making an aggregate submission and is therefore submitting research that falls outside a UoA descriptor to that UoA (as either outputs or underpinning research for ICS), this research is welcome when all of the following apply:

• overall, a substantial proportion of the submission aligns to the UoA descriptor of the sub-panel to which it is being submitted
• the research that falls outside the UoA descriptor is from a cognate area
• no separate submission has been made, or small unit exception has been granted, in relation to the other UoA/s where the work would fit the descriptor

This will apply to outputs submitted as part of the Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding element, and to research underpinning Impact Case Studies (ICS) submitted to the Engagement and Impact element.

Submitted outputs or ICS with underpinning research that do not align with the UoA descriptor would be deemed ineligible, as per paragraph 25.3.1., Section 4: CKU guidance in the Guidance, if any of the following apply:

• a separate submission is made to the relevant UoA(s)
• a small unit exception has been granted in relation to the other UoA/s where the work would fit the descriptor

Main Panel D – Approach to aggregation

1. In addition to the scope for aggregation outlined in paragraphs 1.01 to 1.04, sub-panels in Main Panel D recognise the following additional provision for the aggregation of outputs.
   
2. Main Panel D recognises that HEIs may choose to group their research to reflect existing multi-disciplinary and multi-subject research groupings, interdisciplinary developments and structural arrangements or changes in the institution or to achieve a critical mass in UoA submissions. The Main Panel also recognises that HEIs may have outputs that do not align to the UoA descriptors of any UoA to which they are able to make a submission.
   
3. The Main Panel welcomes such submissions if no part of the submission comes from a unit which has been submitted separately or has been granted a small unit exception, where a focus of the submission is demonstrably within one or more Main Panel D UoAs.

Interdisciplinary research (IDR)

As with previous exercises, REF 2029 seeks to ensure all forms and modes of research, including IDR, are equitably assessed and are neither disadvantaged nor privileged within the exercise. However, panels recognise that additional tools may be necessary for equitable assessment of some research outputs, including the use of cross-referral and joint assessment. REF 2029 welcomes all forms of research and types and formats of research outputs, and sub-panels will assess whatever is received where this meets the REF definition of research. Sub-panels will not regard any particular form of output as of greater or lesser quality than another, and all subject matter will be assessed on a fair and equal basis.

Sub-panels welcome the submission of all outputs, including those that sit within disciplinary boundaries and those which might be described as interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary. Outputs may sit neatly within UoAs or may not sit squarely within the descriptor for any given UoA. Outputs may also span disciplines within and across main panels.

For the purposes of the REF, IDR is understood to achieve outcomes and/or new approaches that could not be achieved within a single discipline. IDR features significant interaction between two or more disciplines and/or moves beyond established disciplinary foundations, for example in applying or integrating research approaches from other disciplines.

The main and sub-panels will apply the standards of excellence defined by the starred quality levels equally to IDR and research within distinct disciplines. The main and sub-panels consider all IDR capable of displaying the highest standards of quality.

Sub-panels will follow the following key principles:

• robustness: sub-panels will achieve robustness in the assessment of IDR through clear processes to ensure that the appropriate expertise is brought to bear on the assessment process; these mechanisms will, as far as possible, be applied consistently and fairly across all sub-panels. RDAP will have a key role in providing oversight of the consistent and fair application of assessment processes and mechanisms
• transparency: sub-panels’ approaches to assessing IDR are clearly laid out in the Panel criteria
• equity: all forms of research, including IDR, will be assessed equitably, that is, to ensure the chance of achieving a good outcome is no different for any type of output or form of research. This will be achieved through the careful deployment of the appropriate expertise to review the output, including specialist advice where needed
• inclusion: REF 2029 does not discriminate against any type or form of research output, and HEIs should feel confident in including in the submission any research which meets the REF definition

Work on boundaries between UoAs

The REF main and sub-panels recognise the diverse nature of the disciplines that they cover, that UoAs do not have firm or rigidly definable boundaries and that aspects of research span the boundaries between individual UoAs, whether within a main panel or across main panels. They also recognise that there are research areas which may be undertaken in a range of different contexts, and some of these therefore occur in the descriptors of a number of UoAs. The main and sub-panels welcome the submission of such research in any relevant UoA.

The arrangements for assessing submissions that span UoA boundaries – including the joint assessment and cross-referral processes – are set out in Section 10: Panel working methods in the Panel criteria. The UoA descriptors indicate where the panels might expect work submitted in their UoA to cross boundaries with other UoAs but recognise that there may be other overlaps. Where disciplines are aggregated into a single submitting unit (as outlined in sub-section 1.), sub-panels will employ the most appropriate mechanisms to assess such submissions, including cross-referral and joint assessment where deemed appropriate.

Panels will assess, on an equal basis, submissions that reflect the work of administrative units such as departments, and submissions that do not map neatly onto departmental or other administrative structures within HEIs. In either case, institutions will not be penalised if submissions contain some work that overlaps UoA boundaries. The main and sub-panels will apply the standards of excellence defined by the starred quality levels equally to research that spans UoA boundaries and to research solely within the remit of one UoA. The main and sub-panels consider that all such research is capable of displaying the highest standards of quality.

Pedagogic research

All main panels agree that research on pedagogy and educational issues within higher education may be submitted in the UoA to which it relates or in UoA 23 (Education), as deemed appropriate by submitting HEIs. Please see Annex B: UoA descriptors and taxonomies, in the Panel criteria, for specific details.

Multiple submissions

Sub-section 3.1., Section 2: Submissions in the Guidance sets out the arrangements whereby institutions may exceptionally, and only with prior permission from the REF Director, make more than one submission (multiple submissions) in the same UoA. These exceptions are:

1. where an institution involved in a joint submission wishes to make an additional individual submission in the same UoA
2. multiple submissions to sub-panel 26 (Modern Languages and Linguistics) will be permitted where one submission is in Celtic Studies and the other in Modern Languages and Linguistics. This has been agreed in recognition of the special cultural significance of Celtic Studies in parts of the UK, and the particular legal status of the Welsh language in Wales and Scottish Gaelic in Scotland
3. where a sub-panel considers there is a case for multiple submissions in its UoA, given the nature of the disciplines covered, the institution may request a multiple submission. The panels’ expectations are set out in the expanding sections below
4. where HEIs merged after 1 July 2026, they may seek permission to make two separate submissions in some or all of the UoAs in which they wish to submit, if, for example, they anticipate difficulty in achieving academic cohesion between the merger date and the submission date. Requests to make two submissions in only some of the UoAs must be accompanied by strong evidence that the environments for supporting research and enabling impact for each proposed submitting unit are still clearly separate and distinct

Each submission will be awarded a single overall quality profile. Where multiple submissions are made, a quality profile will be generated for each of the multiple submissions.

Additionally, where a single submission includes distinct organisational units or areas of research and where the REF sub-panel considers it appropriate (see examples in the following panel variations), the sub-panel will provide feedback to the head of institution relating to the distinct units or areas of research.

Main Panel A supplementary criteria – multiple submissions

1. Sub-panels in Main Panel A do not consider that there is a case for multiple submissions in their UoAs, based on the nature of the disciplines covered, and do not expect to receive requests for multiple submissions in these UoAs (other than for the reasons stated in bullet points one, two and four of paragraph 5.0.1.).

Main Panel B supplementary criteria – multiple submissions

1. Sub-panels in Main Panel B do not consider that there is a case for multiple submissions in their UoAs, based on the nature of the disciplines covered, and do not expect to receive requests for multiple submissions in these UoAs (other than for the reasons stated in bullet points one, two and four of paragraph 5.0.1.)
   
2. Sub-panel 12 (Engineering) recognises that institutions may wish to receive CKU sub-profiles for distinct areas of engineering covered in their submission and will provide CKU sub-profiles against the broad research areas to the head of institution where requested: Bioengineering and health engineering, Chemical and bio-chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Electrical and electronic engineering, Energy and environmental engineering, Information and digital engineering, Mechanical engineering, Manufacturing engineering, Materials science and engineering, Systems engineering and design and Engineering applications. Institutions will be able to indicate in the Submissions system whether they wish to receive sub-profiles in this way. The normal expectation is that CKU sub-profiles will not be provided where there is a small number of staff associated with those outputs (typically less than five FTE). CKU sub-profiles will be provided confidentially to the head of the institution concerned.

Main Panel C supplementary criteria – multiple submissions

1. In sub-panel 22 (Anthropology and Development Studies) requests for multiple submissions where institutions have separate Anthropology and Development Studies (or International Development) departments would normally fulfil the criteria. The remainder of sub-panels in Main Panel C do not consider that there is a case for multiple submissions in their UoAs, based on the nature of the disciplines covered, and do not expect to receive requests for multiple submissions (other than for the reasons stated in bullet points one, two and four of paragraph 5.0.1.)

Main Panel D supplementary criteria – multiple submissions

1. The following sub-panels in Main Panel D consider that there is a case, based on the nature of the disciplines covered by their UoAs, for multiple submissions in these UoAs and welcome requests, where required, for:
   1. sub-panel 25 (Area Studies)
   2. sub-panel 26 (Modern Languages and Linguistics)
   3. sub-panel 32 (Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory)
   4. sub-panel 33 (Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies)
   5. sub-panel 34 (Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management)
      
2. Requests for multiple submissions may be made in other UoAs within Main Panel D but are expected to be a rare occurrence. All such requests will be considered according to the criteria and procedures in sub-section 3.1., Section 2: Submissions in the Guidance.