Research Excellence Framework 2021

REF2021

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the current system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The meaning of the assessment exercise to universities is great.  It allows them to demonstrate the quality and impact of their research work. The Research Excellence Framework was the first exercise to assess the impact of research outside of academia i.e. in society in general. Impact was defined as ‘an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia’. 

The value of great research, its training in original thinking and analysis and its ability to keep knowledge fresh and contemporary, to the nation and to the undergraduate and postgraduate student body is something that sets university degrees apart from those available outside of the university system. In 2014 the REF revealed the quality and impact of UK research in universities.  The University is committed to submitting its research to the next REF exercise in 2021.