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.
Latest news
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Town hall recording published on the updated Code of Practice guidance
The recording and slide pack for the town hall on the Code of Practice guidance are now available on the resources page. We will follow up with a published list of questions and answers soon. Please note that this recording should be used in conjunction with the town hall on the 11 February 2025, also on…
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REF 2029 Timetable updated
We have updated the timetable for REF 2029 adding more detail and more specific dates. We are moving the panel meetings for the criteria setting phase from Summer 2025 to Autumn/Winter 2025-6. This will not delay the publication of the final guidance, planned for Autumn 2026.
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New REF 2029 policy on Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding released with full Code of Practice guidance
12 June 2025 We have published detailed guidance for the Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding assessment element for REF 2029, outlining important developments in how research outputs will be assessed and reflecting the framework’s evolution towards assessing the research and environment of institutions rather than individuals. We have also published the full Code of Practice…
