1. Introduction to the Research Excellence Framework

2. What is REF? • Timetable • REF consultation proposals • Further information

3. What is REF? Successor to the Research Assessment Exercise • Benchmarking • Accountability • Informs allocation of “QR” funding £1.76 billion pa Expert review of evidence submitted by institutions

4. Timetable

5. REF Consultation Proposals • Research “… a process of investigation leading to new insights effectively shared” • Fewer, larger Units of Assessment with greater consistency of approach across them • Institutions select staff for inclusion • Outputs(60%) • Environment(15%) • Impact (25%) • Outcome will be a profile (4* to Unclassified)

6. Outputs • 3 or 4 per person submitted? • Double-weighting - how defined? • Use of bibliometrics in some areas

7. Environment • Management • Resourcing • Engagement

8. Impact • Pilot underway • Assess at level of submitted unit • Impact arising from excellent research • Case studies – what is the impact, how did the unit contribute, evidence of underpinning research • Impact statement – at level of submitted unit

9. Further information HEFCE website for information on REF including the consultation http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/resources/ http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2009/09_38/ Useful summary of REF Proposals: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/resources/REFguide.pdf