Research excellence framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It will replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and will be completed in 2014. The REF will be undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. The exercise will be managed by the REF team based at HEFCE and overseen by the REF Steering Group, consisting of representatives of the four funding bodies.

The REF will:
• inform the selective allocation of research funding to HEIs
• provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks
• provide accountability for public investment in research and demonstrate its benefits.

Further information regarding this can be found on the REF website.  HEFCE have released the assessment framework and guidance on submissions.

As set out in the assessment framework and guidance on submissions document, each HEI making a submission to REF is required to develop, document and apply a code of practice on selecting staff to include in their REF submissions. This document for UHI can be found here - declaration of individual circumstances.

UHI statement on staff inclusion/exclusion in the 2014 REF

The University of the Highlands and Islands code of practice and guidance note for equality and diversity in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework submission process: staff selection

REF 2014 timetable