What is the REF?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
The REF objectives are to:
- Inform the allocation of block-grant research funding to HEIs based on research quality
- Provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment
- Provide insights into the health of research in HEIs in the UK
The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.
What is the REF assessing?
The REF assessment evaluates:
- The quality of the academic research outputs published, during the assessment period, by academics affiliated to that institution
- The Impact of research beyond on wider society
- The environment in which research is conducted.
How often is an assessment conducted?
The REF is conducted on every seven-eight years. The REF was first carried out in 2014, replacing the previous Research Assessment Exercise. The most recent exercise was REF 2021.
REF2021 at Royal Holloway, University of London
The most recent iteration of the exercise concluded in 2021. Royal Holloway submitted to 19 disciplinary units of assessment (UoAs). Across those disciplines, we submitted:
- 1215 outputs, including 882 journal articles, 153 authored books and 24 creative portfolios (including performances and compositions)
- 54 Impact Case Studies (ICSs)
- Read more about the impact our research has on the world here.
- 20 environment statements, including one for each of the 19 UoAs.
The results of REF2021 confirm Royal Holloway’s position in the top 25% of UK Universities for research. Key highlights from the University’s REF results include:
- 88% of its research judged to be within the top two categories of 4* and 3*, defining it as either world-leading, or internationally excellent respectively.
- 42% of Royal Holloway’s research has been judged as 4* (world-leading), up from 30% in 2014.
- The proportion of Royal Holloway’s research outputs rated as 4* (world leading) has increased to 43% in 2021, from 27% in 2014.
REF 2029 at Royal Holloway
Work is underway to prepare for the REF 2029 assessment exercise. More information on preparations can be found on our internal website (add link to intranet)
External Links
Training and guidance
More information on training and engagement events for REF 2029 can be found on our internal website.
