Research and Knowledge Exchange

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The REF is the UK's system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education. REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year. The next REF exercise is 2029.

Interdisciplinary Institute Networking Drop-in Sessions

The Interdisciplinary Institute is establishing a series of informal drop-in sessions in the Crombie Lounge for those interested in Interdisciplinary research or education to network and plan.

Research & Knowledge Exchange Support

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How to contact Research and Innovation

Find out who to contact within Research and Innovation

Events and Training

Find out what is coming up on the ResearchBites Series, Funder Visits and more..

Research Excellence Framework

The REF or Research Excellence Framework is the UK's system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education. REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for research across UK universities. REF took place in 2014 and 2021. Previous exercises were called Research Assessment Exercises or RAE, these ran between in 1986 and 2008.

The next REF exercise is planned for 2029.

REF 2029: The purpose of REF is to provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment; to provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks, for use within the Higher Education sector and for public information; and to inform the selective allocation of funding for research.

Find out more about REF 2029
REF 2021: The institutional submission to REF 2021 was delivered in March 2021 and included 729 eligible staff across 22 Units of Assessment. REF 2021 results were announced in May 2022.

Find out more about REF 2021
REF 2014: The Research Excellence Framework (REF) was the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The results of REF 2014 were published in December 2014.

Find out more about REF 2014

About

Research and Innovation (R&I) consists of teams of specialist advisors dedicated to maximising the University's research income, identifying and nurturing impact and facilitating interactions with external organisations. R&I are the first point of contact for business, facilitating access to the University's expertise for Consultancy and Continuing Professional Development.

R&I works closely with colleagues in the University's Schools and has detailed knowledge of their research interests and expertise. Dedicated resource is provided to each of our Schools.