The Research Assessment 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 first REF took place in 2014 and replaced RAEs (which were held in 1986; 1989; 1992; 1996; 2001, and 2008). The next REF exercise will be conducted in 2021.

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 The ratings of individual outputs and impact case studies will not be published, nor will the names of submitted staff.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 2021 can be found on the funding bodies’ REF 2021 website. Further details can be obtained by contacting the institutional lead for REF 2021, Professor Atulya K. Nagar, at atulya.nagar@hope.ac.uk

REF 2021 guideline documents

Final guidance documents have now been published. The final Guidance on Submissions, the Panel Criteria and working methods and the Guidance on codes of practice, were published on 31 January 2019. For further details please read the documents listed below.

In December 2015, Lord Stern was requested by the Government to complete an independent review of the REF2014. As part of the review and recommendations for future exercises was published in July 2016 and following on from the Stern Consultation report, HEFCE published a consultation on the proposed changes to REF, to which the institution submitted a response.

Final Guidance on submissions (REF 2019/01) was published and details how UK universities should make their submissions to REF 2021 alongside the Panel criteria and working methods (REF 2019/02) describes how the REF 2021 panels will assess this research. The documents have been developed by the REF's expert panels and the four funding bodies following consultation with the sector in summer 2018.

The changes from the last REF in 2014 to REF 2021 largely follow the recommendations set out in 2016 in an independent review led by Lord Stern. The REF Steering Group, made up of representatives from the four funding bodies, has provided background information on some of the key decisions that have been taken.

The funding bodies also published the Guidance on codes of practice (REF 2019/03).

The detailed guidance and criteria for the institutional-level environment statement will be published in summer 2019, following consultation.

How has the University prepared for REF 2021?

The University set up the REF Strategy Group, 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 and Development Plan 2020 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 HoDs meetings, University’s Research Committee, Senate, and one to one meetings with the UoA coordinators.

Notes and reports for these briefings can be accessed via the links below on the University’s internet (required login) which also contains the University’s Code of Practice (CoP) and similar relevant documents as well as Impact and Environment Planning tools.

View the REF 2021 Code of Practice()