Thursday 11 January 2024, 14:00 – 15:00 (online)
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The overarching policy aim for research assessment is to secure the continuation of a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education.
The initial decisions on the revised high-level design of REF 2028 were released on Thursday 15 June 2023: Future Research Assessment Programme Initial Decisions.
The University contributed to two consultations conducted by Research England towards the end of 2023 – one on the initial decisions and another on the People, Culture, and Environment component. Further decisions will be published in Spring 2024.
REF 2028 delayed to 2029
On 7 December 2023 it was announced that the REF exercise will be delayed to REF 2029. The funding bodies also outlined some further decisions and next steps: Initial decisions next steps December 2023.
A summary of the further decisions is available on the REF 2029 SharePoint site.
What does this mean for us?
Crafting a successful REF submission involves years of exceptional research, impactful outcomes, and a nurturing culture and environment for our academic community. This collaborative effort spans across academic and professional service staff, collectively showcasing the strengths of our research community. Outcomes of REF significantly influence the allocation of approximately £2 billion per year in public funding for universities.
Join Professor Mark Spearing (Vice-President Research & Enterprise) and Dr Gemma Fitzsimmons (Head of Research and Information Systems), for this informative session on REF 2029. Gain valuable insights and understand our preparations, ahead of the submission deadline in 2028.
Book your place via Staffbook or PGR Manager (type REF2029 in the search box).