The Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is an assessment of the research in UK higher education institutions carried out by the national funding bodies. The outcome of the REF informs the allocation of quality research related funding (“QR”). It contributes to the accountability for public funding and demonstrates the benefits of public investment in research and impact. The next REF exercise will be conducted in 2029.

Submissions are organised into discipline-based “Units of Assessment” (UoA). A brief summary of the submission requirements is given below.

Submissions are assessed by UoA-specific sub-panels (comprising academics and the users of research). UoAs are grouped under four main panels (A to D), whose role is to foster consistency of assessment.

The outcome of the exercise is expressed as a profile across a five-point scale, from 0* (unclassified) to 4* (world-leading). Outputs of UoAs not individuals are evaluated. The ratings of individual outputs and impact case studies will not be published, nor will the names of submitted staff.

More information about REF 2029 can be found on the funding bodies’ REF 2029 website. Further details can be obtained by contacting the institutional lead for REF 2029, Professor Atulya K. Nagar, at atulya.nagar@hope.ac.uk

REF 2029 guideline documents

REF 2029 is taking a modular approach to publishing guidance.  Instead of releasing one large guidance document, sections will be published on the REF 2029 website as they are developed.  The REF timetable has details of key dates and upcoming new policy releases.

You can access the full list of Guidance here.

How has the University prepared for REF 2029?

The University set up the REF Steering Group (REFSG), chaired by the institutional lead for REF, to oversee the strategic submission and the running of the internal Stocktake or Mock exercise.

The University’s Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange (RS&KE) Strategy has been the basis for the University’s preparations.

The Chair of REFSG holds a number of briefings to update staff on key developments – these include regular reports at University Executive Board meetings, University’s Research Committee, Senate, and one to one meetings with the UoA coordinators.

Guidance on the University’s Code of Practice (CoP) has now been published.  The REF 2029 Code of Practice will be published below when this has been developed.  

View the REF 2021 Code of Practice()