REF 2014

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

The REF 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 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.

The assessment of each submission will consist of three elements:

• Research outputs - 65%
• Impact - 20% (this will increase in subsequent REFs)
• Environment - 15%

More information on the REF…