Research excellence framework (REF) and Strategy, People, and Research Environment (SPRE)
The REF () is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The last REF was carried out in 2021, building on the REF 2014 exercise. The next REF is planned for 2029, with UK HEIs submitting in 2028.
The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.
The REF was first carried out in 2014, replacing the previous Research Assessment Exercise. Research England manages the REF on behalf of all the four UK higher education funding bodies:
- Research England
- Scottish Funding Council
- Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (Medr)
- Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland