September 2009/38
Policy development
Consultation
Responses should be e-mailed to HEFCE by Wednesday 16 December 2009
Research Excellence Framework
Second consultation on the assessment and funding of research
This document sets out proposals for the Research Excellence Framework – the new arrangements for the assessment and funding of research in UK higher education institutions that will replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
| To: | Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of HEFCW-funded higher education institutions Heads of SFC-funded institutions Heads of universities in Northern Ireland Organisations with an interest in commissioning and using academic research including businesses, public sector bodies, charities and other third sector organisations |
|---|---|
| Of interest to those responsible for: | Research, Planning |
| Reference: | 2009/38 |
| Publication date: | September 2009 |
| Enquiries to: | e-mail ref@hefce.ac.uk Hannah Chaplin tel 0117 931 7296 Pam Macpherson-Barrett tel 0117 931 7471 |
Executive summary (read online)
Download
Main text and Annexes B, C, D, E, G
[ REF: Second consultation on the assessment and funding of research - Main text and Annexes B, C, D, E, G as Adobe PDF 298K | REF: Second consultation on the assessment and funding of research - Main text and Annexes B, C, D, E, G as MS Word 525K ]
Annex A Response form
[ Annex A Response form as MS Word 165K ]
Annex F Draft list of nominating bodies
[ Annex F Draft list of nominating bodies as Adobe PDF 86K | Annex F Draft list of nominating bodies as MS Word 45K ]
Executive summary
Purpose
1. This document sets out proposals for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) – the new arrangements for the assessment and funding of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) that will replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
Key points
2. Following an initial consultation on the REF published in late 2007 (HEFCE 2007/34), we have developed detailed proposals for the REF. The proposals build on a pilot exercise on the use of citation information, consideration of how to assess the impact of research as a key new element in the framework, lessons drawn from the 2008 RAE, and extensive expert advice and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders.
3. This document sets out proposals for all key aspects of the REF. A summary of the proposals is available in the leaflet 'The Research Excellence Framework: a brief guide to the proposals' (shortly to be made available on the web at www.hefce.ac.uk/ref).
4. We invite responses from HEIs and other groups and organisations with an interest in the conduct, quality, funding or use of research. This includes businesses, industry representatives, government and public sector bodies, charities and other third sector, social and cultural organisations.
Action required
5. Responses to the consultation should be made by completing and returning the form at Annex A by e-mail (see paragraph 21) by midday on Wednesday 16 December 2009.