Research Excellence Framework (REF)

What's it all about?

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a system for assessing the quality of research conducted in UK higher education institutions, which informs the allocation of public funding. The assessment evaluates research quality through three components:

• Contribution to knowledge and understanding(e.g. research outputs that include journal articles, conference papers, books and non textual outputs)
• Engagement and Impact (benefits to society, economy, culture etc)
• People, Culture and Environment (supportive culture and infrastructure)

The REF is a cyclical process, with the next assessment planned for 2029 (submission will be in 2028), and it plays a crucial role in providing accountability and demonstrating the value of public investment in research.

RIKE leads on the submission of the REF and coordinates with all research subject areas (known as Units of Assessment) regarding this.

Guidelines are still being published and as we receive more information about the next submission we will be populating this site with more information relevant to all.

If you have any questions do get in touch ref2029@hud.ac.uk

Further information regarding REF2029 can be found here REF 2029