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Background

The Government announced in March 2006 its intention to replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) after 2008 with an assessment system based on metrics. A working group then developed a consultation 'Reform of higher education research assessment and funding'.

Following the consultation, the Government announced in the 2006 pre-Budget Report the development of a revised scheme for assessment of quality and allocation of funding. The then Department for Education and Skills outlined details of the scheme in a press release. A letter from the Secretary of State gave further guidance to HEFCE.

The Government also announced that the 2008 RAE will be conducted as planned, using the criteria already published by the subject panels.

We set out our initial plans for the development of the new system in 'Future framework for research assessment and funding' (HEFCE Circular letter 06/2007).

REF consultation, November 2007 - February 2008

In November 2007 we published proposals for consultation (HEFCE 2007/34). These were informed by two research and evaluation reports on the use of bibliometric techniques:

The consultation closed on 14 February 2008 and an analysis of responses to the consultation was published.

In the light of the feedback received we decided to continue to develop the REF, with two significant modifications to the proposals. These were agreed following discussion with the then Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. The modifications were that:

  • the timetable for designing the new framework would be extended by 12 months to allow sufficient time for development
  • there would no longer be such a clear distinction between the arrangements for science-based subjects and those for all other subjects; for all subjects the assessment will include some combination of metrics-based indicators, including bibliometrics where appropriate, as well as input from expert panels.

Following this consultation exercise we announced our plans to develop the REF in Circular letter 13/2008.

An update regarding our work to develop the REF was issued in Circular letter 34/2008.

Development work

Since the 2007-08 consultation we have been developing proposals with our stakeholders. This work has focused on:

  • the key features of the framework
  • how to assess the impact of research
  • the potential use of citation information - tested through a pilot exercise
  • how to reduce the burden on higher education institutions
  • our approach to equality and diversity.

Further information about our programme of work to date. The outcomes of this development work have informed our current proposals for the REF.

Last updated 23 September 2009