REF Code of Practice: preparing the institutional submission to REF2029
REF requires each institution that intends to submit to REF 2029 to prepare an institutional Code of Practice for approval by REF. The Code of Practice (CoP) needs to set out how:
- the institution identifies eligible researchers
- it will allocate staff to Units of Assessment
- it will select outputs
- it intends to communicate the criteria and working methods to its academic community
In particular, the code needs to show how the submitting institution has embedded equality and diversity considerations into its REF preparations and how it will implement the REF measures intended to ensure that protected groups do not suffer disadvantage.
The REF guidance on codes of practice sets out the funding council's expectations and guidance around an institutional Code of Practice on the preparation of a REF 2029 submission.
The REF Code of Practice is written for two main audiences. It reassures the funding councils that we have robust and transparent processes for REF 2029, and it informs the academic community what REF means for them.
Further information about REF 2029 is available at www.ref.ac.uk
Consultation and Feedback
The University of Aberdeen is in a period of consultation regarding our preparations for the institutional Code of Practice for REF 2029. Consultation activity will include:
- discussions with Directors of Research and REF leads for proposed submission areas
- discussion with union representatives from all unions that represent research active staff at the University of Aberdeen
- discussions with and approvals from relevant committees and teams across the institution
- open consultation sessions for staff to engage with the draft Code of Practice
- opportunities to provide direct comments and feedback via email
Open consultation sessions
Sessions are available on 24 September and 06 October 2025
- Foresterhill campus - 10:00-11:30, Wednesday 24 September, IMS level 7 Conference Room
- Old Aberdeen campus - 10:30-12:00, Monday 06 October, Meston Building, MT4
Feedback
The consultation period is open until 14 November 2025 and we are happy to receive any comments or feedback regarding the REF 2029 Code of Practice at ref@abdn.ac.uk