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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Membership confirmed for REF Secretariat
16 April 2025 Today the REF team have announced the membership of the Secretariat for REF 2029. The Secretariat plays a key role in the development and delivery of the assessment framework and comprises two different positions: REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “Secretaries and Advisors are a crucial component of the REF exercise and the…
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New blog: be a part of REF 2029
15 April 2025 In the fourth instalment of our blog series on applying for REF 2029 panel membership , Dr Muneeb Imtiaz Ahmad, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Swansea University, shares his experiences and efforts to support researchers within his organisation. Discover how you can contribute to the REF 2029 panels and make a…
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FAQs and new blog on applying to a REF panel now available
We have just published some FAQs on applying to be a panel member for REF 2029. If you’re considering applying and would like more information you can also re-watch last month’s Town Hall session. We’ve also published a series of blogs:
