REF 2021
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. As a successor to the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), it first took place in 2014, with submission to the most recent REF exercise being completed by HEIs in 2021.
Explore our impact
Results Highlights
Our REF 2021 results demonstrate the excellence of the research carried out at Salford, with 78% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Furthermore, five of our impact submissions were regarded as 100% outstanding or having very considerable impact, in particular:
- Social Work and Social Policy (75% 4*; 25% 3*)
- Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (50% 4*; 50% 3*)
- Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies (50% 4*; 50% 3*)
- Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management (50% 4*; 50% 3*)
- Engineering (33% 4*; 67% 3*)
The quality of our research outputs has also been recognised in REF2021. Highlights include:
- Area Studies (44% 4*; 50% 3*);
- Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Library and Information Management (42% 4*; 35% 3*);
- Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (23% 4*; 63* 3*).
The University endeavours to provide an inspiring, collaborative and innovative environment for research. The quality of our research environment has been rated highly in REF2021, with five submissions in particular receiving notable scores:
- Architecture, Built Environment and Planning (62.5% 4*; 37.5% 3*);
- Allied Health, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy (37.5% 4*; 62.5% 3*);
- Area Studies (12.5% 4*; 87.5% 3*);
- Social Work and Social Policy (12.5% 4*; 75% 3*);
- Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Library and Information Management (12.5% 4*; 60% 3*).
REF2021 Code of Practice
Our REF2021 Code of Practice was accepted for implementation in August 2019 by Research England. This sets out, in full, all necessary processes and timelines occurring between summer 2019 and the submission deadline of November 2020. The Code details:
- Our institutional approach to REF2021, guided by our Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy 2017-2027;
- The process for identifying staff with ‘significant responsibility for research’ and for determining those on research contracts who are ‘independent’ researchers;
- The process for selecting research outputs
- How we collect and manage information relating to staff circumstances declarations
Committed to equality
We are deeply committed to embedding equality and diversity in everything we do. Our approach to REF is therefore aligned fully with our institutional strategy and policy for inclusion and diversity, the purpose of which is: ‘to create an inspirational, inclusive learning and working environment, celebrating the diversity of our University community in our everyday conversations’.
The development of our Code of Practice has been a joint effort by our REF Team, Inclusion & Diversity Team, HR and our academic community and we are committed to addressing inequalities in our research environment particularly within research leadership roles.
Integrity and transparency
We value an approach to research assessment founded on integrity and transparency and have designed our REF processes accordingly. Getting it right means we recognise, celebrate and foster research excellence; and we evaluate our researchers in fair, accurate and transparent ways, including through the responsible use of research metrics in decision-making.
As part of our institutional commitment to the responsible use of research metrics, in 2019 the University of Salford became a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). However, signing DORA is just the first step. Our academic-led Responsible Research Assessment task group has produced a set of complementary institutional principles and guidance, and the University is putting in place a roadmap to drive the changes needed to make sure we live by these principles.
Privacy Notices
Here at the University of Salford we work hard to ensure that you get the very best experience without having to worry if your information is safe.
We understand the importance of individuals’ privacy rights and we are committed to complying with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR. Our privacy notices let you know how and why we collect, use and share your personal information for REF2021, and your rights in relation to that data.
REF Contacts
Our REF preparations are led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Karl Dayson. The preparation of our submission is managed primarily through the REF Steering Group with formal governance of the process overseen by the Research and Enterprise Committee (a committee of Senate).
The REF Team at Salford includes a central team in the Division of Research and Knowledge Exchange, supported by leads/co-leads and deputy leads for each Unit of Assessment submission.
For any initial queries, please contact the REF Team (ref@salford.ac.uk) or email one of our named contacts:
- REF Manager – Dr Rachel Brenchley (R.C.Brenchley@salford.ac.uk)
- Business Systems & Data Officer – Rob Shaw (R.L.Shaw2@salford.ac.uk)
- Impact, Engagement & Environment Coordinator – Emma Sutton (Research-impact@salford.ac.uk)