Research Excellence Framework
The is the principal means of finding out which individuals, departments and institutions are producing the most excellent research in the UK.
The °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ has taken part in this exercise since 1996, when it was known as the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
The next REF assessment will take place in 2029, and the °ËØÔ±¬ÁÏ is planning on making a submission.
REF Assessment
About the Research Excellence Framework
Higher Education providers submit their research to REF in discipline-specific Units of Assessment (UOAs). These are then assessed against three main elements, which are considered by independent expert panels:
- People, Culture and Environment (25% weighting)
- Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (50% weighting)
- Engagement and Impact (25% weighting)
The quality of the research is then scored, based on a star rating between 1* and 4*.
- 1* - Recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
- 2* - Recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
- 3* - Internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour
- 4* - World-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour