Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It replaces the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and will be completed in 2014. The Research Excellence Framework is coordinated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The REF is primarily a process driven by external review. Each research active University is required to submit a return for each research-active unit which includes information related to:
- key publications
- research environment
- research impact
These Unit of Assessment submissions are then reviewed by expert panels appointed by HEFCE. The primary purpose of the REF is to produce assessment outcomes for each Unit submission made by institutions. The funding bodies will use the assessment outcomes to inform the selective allocation of their research funding to universities with effect from 2015-16. The assessment provides accountability for public investment in research and produces evidence of the benefits of this investment. More detail on the REF can be obtained from HEFCE.
At Newcastle University the submission process is overseen by the University Research Committee under the authority of Executive Board and Senate. It is delivered by the REF Steering Group through each of the University Faculties and managed by the University Research Office under the overall supervision of Professor Nick Wright the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation. The administrative lead is Mr David Hill, Head of the University Research Office.
