Research Excellence Framework 2014

Research Excellence Framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It will replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and will be completed in 2014. The REF will be undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. The exercise will be managed by the REF team based at the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) and overseen by the REF Steering Group, consisting of representatives of the four funding bodies.

The REF will:

• inform the selective allocation of research funding to HEIs
• provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks
• provide accountability for public investment in research and demonstrate its benefits

Through the REF, the UK funding bodies aim to develop and sustain a dynamic and internationally competitive research sector that makes a major contribution to economic prosperity, national wellbeing and the expansion and dissemination of knowledge.

Key features

The REF will be a process of expert review, informed by indicators where appropriate. Expert sub-panels for each of 36 units of assessment (UOAs) will carry out the assessment, working under the guidance of four broad main panels. Institutions will be invited to make submissions to each UOA, to be assessed in terms of:

• The quality of research outputs
• The wider impact of research
• The vitality of the research environment

The outcomes of the overall assessment will be fine-grained enough to identify excellence wherever this may be found. Panels will produce a sub-profile for each element (outputs, impact and environment), to be combined into an overall excellence profile. The profiles will show the proportion of submitted work at each point on a five-point scale (1* to 4* plus Unclassified).

REF frequently asked questions

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) by HEFCE relate to submissions to the REF 2014 and policy matters. They have been grouped by category, or you can browse the FAQs in alphabetical order.

Additionally categories and further FAQs will be added as necessary.

HEFCE REF 2014 frequently asked questions

Useful links

Higher Education Funding Council for England REF web pages
Assessment Framework and Guidance on Submissions
REF 2014 Timetable
Equality and diversity in the REF