REF Collection
This collection gathers together the NCCPE’s work to support the Research Excellence Framework (REF) since it was first proposed in 2008 as the successor the Research Assessment Exercise.
It starts with an update on where we are now in the development of the next REF (due to happen in 2029), and then travels back in time to outline the key changes that have occurred in how public engagement has featured in the REF since it was first announced.
The collection makes accessible key NCCPE resources, including briefings, consultation responses and research and analysis of previous REF exercises.
Preparing for REF 2029
We have produced two useful resources which explain the current state of play with the REF.
We have produced a briefing which tells the story of how the REF has evolved, through the lens of public engagement. This explains what the REF is and how it works, and how public engagement has featured in previous exercises.
We have also produced a summary of the current situation with the development of REF 2029, which is still being consulted upon and piloted.
Where it all began
The Research Excellence Framework was announced in 2010, as the replacement to the Research Assessment Exercise (or RAE). There was a significant backlash, focused on the introduction of impact assessment, which some saw as heralding the end of ‘curiosity driven’ research, and the introduction of a highly instrumental focus on the commercial application of research.
A period of consultation and an impact pilot reassured the sector, resulting in modifications to the original plans, and reassurance about the scope of impact, encompassing a breadth of social, cultural, health and economic outcomes, and explicitly valuing the contribution of public engagement.
The NCCPE played a role in feeding in advice and guidance about how PE might be incorporated and has continued to help shape how the guidance is framed and applied.
REF 2014: Key NCCPE resources
The Development of REF 2014
| 2007 - 2009 | 2010 | 2012 | 2013 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The intention to replace RAE with REF is announced by UK government, with the outline proposals first published by HEFCE in 2009. | A REF Impact pilot was conducted | NCCPE commissioned to support the development of public engagement guidance for the initial iteration of the REF, and submit various consultation responses to inform its development. | NCCPE run workshops and training to help universities develop impact case studies featuring public engagement | NCCPE publish a review of how public engagement featured in REF 2014 and key lessons learned. |
REF 2021: Key NCCPE resources
The development of REF 2021
| 2016 | 2017-2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Stern’s is commissioned to review REF 2014 | NCCPE feed in advice to inform revisions to the guidance for REF2021 | REF 2021 is launched, with revised guidance and advice about the contribution of public engagement (as is) | NCCPE publish a review of how public engagement featured in REF 2021, and draw comparisons with REF 2014 | NCPE publish an in-depth review of how PE featured in Physics and Engineering case studies and environment statements |
REF 2029: Key NCCPE Resources
Development of REF 2029
| 2021 - 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch of Future Research Assessment Programme (FRAP) to shape REF 2029. Informed by review of REF 2021, NCCPE feeds into to the FRAP with a number of recommendations for enhancements to the guidance. | Publication of initial decisions for REF 2028. Significant changes are announced to the weighting of the Environment profile and the Impact profile is re-focused as ‘Engagement and Impact’, informed by the NCCPE advice | Launch of development project to develop indicators for People and Culture, with NCCPE as a partner. Pilot of the People, Culture and Environment profile is announced. |
Webinar recording: applying to join a REF 2029 Panel
On 7 March we held a PEP network drop-in event, exploring the process of applying to join a REF2029 assessment panel.
The webinar was chaired by Paul Manners, co-director of the NCCPE and included contributions from:
• Anne Boddington Sub panel chair, Art and Design Panel, REF 2021
• Doris Ruth Eikhof Member of the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel
• Lisa Jamieson Impact assessor, History panel, REF 2021 • Ben Johnson Main Panel B Member, REF 2021
• Lesley Paterson Impact assessor, Biological Sciences and Engineering Panel, REF 2021