March 2024
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This conference brought together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the future of the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
It followed the publication of initial decisions on the high-level design of REF 2029, delayed from 2028, following concerns over plans to fully break the link between staff and institutional submissions. The delay also aims to allow universities to consider preparations needed to use HESA data to determine REF volume measures, and give providers more time to rework institutional codes of practice.
Discussion explored the ongoing development of REF 2029 as well as the overall future of the REF, along with the impact of reform on research culture, environments and incentives.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Rebecca Fairbairn, Director of REF, Research England; Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive, MillionPlus Association for Modern Universities; and Marta Agostinho, Executive Director, EU-LIFE.
Overall sessions in the agenda included discussion on:
- Early reactions to the high-level design of REF 2029:
- Deliberation and implementation: considering practicalities of implementing the framework at both individual provider and wider sector levels
- Submissions: discussing the split between staff and institutional submissions - changes to the nature of the framework’s administrative burden on research institutions
- Implications for institutional behaviours: increasing the utility of the REF as a tool to improve research quality and impact - reworking of institutional codes of practice
- Utilising data: preparations for using Higher Education Statistics Agency data to determine REF volume measures
- Research culture and incentives: new weightings and their impact on the structure of the UK’s research culture - the potential for research to become more collaborative and interdisciplinary
- Promoting research integrity: driving the move to open access through a decreased emphasis on individual contributions in favour of a wider departmental focus
- Considerations for future REF design refinements: exploring concerns that the new REF doesn’t focus adequately on freedom of expression in its discussion of research cultures
- REF in the research landscape:
- Research funding: assessing the appropriateness of the REF as a mechanism to assign research funding - exploring alternative options for more formative assessment
- Informing national strategy: utilising REF outcomes and results to inform national strategic priorities, identify competitive advantages and provide an evidence base for government policy and planning
- Performance incentives: enhancing the REF as a tool of national research strategy - examining alignment of the REF with government priorities
- International principles: latest thinking on European research assessment reform - impact on, and opportunities for, future alignment and collaboration across all levels
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; DfE; DLUHC; DSIT; GO-Science; IPO; POST; UKHSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
