The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers (HEIs). The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.

Research England manages the REF on behalf of all four UK higher education funding bodies:
- Research England
- Scottish Funding Council
- Medr: Commission for Tertiary Education and Research | Y Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil 
- Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland

Our shared policy aim for research assessment is to secure a world-class, dynamic and responsive research base across the full academic spectrum within UK higher education.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF)

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