REF 2014

Aberystwyth Researchers can find further information on the REF 2014 page under the Research Support section


The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) replacing the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), last conducted in 2008. The REF will be undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies, led by HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England). Submission to REF will take place by 29th November 2013, with the results due to be published in December 2014. (A full timetable for the REF 2014 submission is available ).

The REF will focus on assessing three elements:

  • Outputs – The primary focus of the REF will be to identify excellent research of all kinds, as demonstrated by the quality of research publications and other outputs.
  • Impact – Significant additional recognition will be given where researchers have built on excellent research to deliver demonstrable benefits, outside of academia, to the economy, society, public policy, culture or quality of life.
  • Environment – REF will also assess the vitality of the research environment and how far it supports a continuing flow of excellent research and its effective dissemination and application.

Discipline-based, expert sub-panels for each of 36 units of assessment (UOAs) will carry out the assessment, working under the leadership and guidance of four main panels. Each of the three elements above will be assessed against criteria defined by the main panels. Sub-panels will produce a sub-profile for each element, to be combined into an overall quality profile. The profiles will show the proportion of research activity at each point on a five-point scale (1* to 4* plus Unclassified). The final weightings attached to each element of assessment are as follows:

  • Outputs -65%
  • Impact -20%
  • Environment -15%

The assessment outcomes of the REF will be used to inform the selective allocation of HEFCW’s (Higher Education Funding Council of Wales) research funding (Quality Research- QR) to Welsh HEIs, including Aberystwyth University, with effect from 2015-16.