The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a cornerstone of research assessment in the UK, influencing funding, reputation and strategy across institutions. However, many researchers are still unsure of how it works, why it matters or what it means to be ‘REF-able’.

BERA is pleased to introduce a new BERA Blog series that aims to shed light on the REF’s significance, the expectations it sets and how researchers can navigate and contribute to it effectively.

We invite research-informed contributions on topics such as:

The basics of REF:

• What is REF?
• Why does REF matter to researchers and institutions?
• What are the potential advantages and challenges REF brings?
• How can researchers align their work with REF criteria?

Examining the three REF pathways:

• Outputs
  • What distinguishes 1*, 2*, 3* and 4* outputs?
  • Exploring the criteria of significance, rigor and originality in assessing outputs
• Impact case studies
  • What makes for a compelling impact case study?
  • Examples of REF case studies that have driven change and/or benefited society
• People, culture and environment
  • How to foster a thriving research culture
  • What defines a ‘good’ research environment under REF standards?

Comparative systems:

• What do other countries do to achieve similar outcomes to REF?
• What are the pros and cons of the systems used by other countries, compared with REF?

How to contribute

If you have expertise or experiences to share on these REF topics, please refer to our blog submission policy and send your contribution to blog@bera.ac.uk.