Research Excellence Framework
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is an independent review of the quality of research in the UK's Higher Education institutions. It's undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. It's the benchmark of a university's research success.
The outcomes of REF are used to:
- Inform the selective allocation of research funding to HEIs from HEFCE
- Provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks
- Provide accountability for public investment in research and demonstrate its benefits
The REF results are important because they:
- Show the quality of our research
- Expand our reputation
- Show how effectively we spend our research funding
- Help us make our case for further funding
Explore how we performed in REF 2014 and how we're preparing for REF 2021.
Contact us
General queries and information about the REF process and criteria:
Denise Teasdale, Research Manager
For Technical queries, REF database:
Kevin Pogorzelski, REF Officer
Impact case study queries:
Dee Summers, Research Impact Officer