Research Excellence Framework 2029
Discover how the Knowledge Exchange Committee is getting ready for REF
Currently reading: What is the REF?
What is the Research Excellence Framework (REF)?
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK's national system for assessing the quality of research produced in higher education institutions. It is jointly managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for Economy Northern Ireland (DfE).
Purpose and Objectives
- Produce accountability for public investment in research and provide information about the health of the UK research base.
- Establish reputational yardsticks and benchmarks for UK HEIs against which they can assess and improve their research performance.
- Inform the selective allocation of funding for research by the UK funding bodies.
- Provide benchmarking information and establishing reputational yardsticks.
REF 2029 at Ravensbourne University London
Ravensbourne University London is committed to submitting a strong, credible and inclusive REF 2029 return that reflects the quality, distinctiveness and real-world impact of our creative practice-based research. Our submission is led by the Knowledge Exchange & Research (KE&R) Office, under the oversight of the REF Steering Group.
Why REF Matters for Ravensbourne
- REF outcomes directly influence research funding allocations from Research England through Quality-Related (QR) funding.
- A strong submission strengthens Ravensbourne's reputation as a research-active institution, supporting student recruitment, partnership development, and grant success.
- REF provides a structured opportunity to celebrate and disseminate the excellent research undertaken across our creative disciplines.
- Research culture improvements required for REF align directly with Ravensbourne's People Strategy and institutional values.
REF Assessment Criteria Explained
Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding
Outputs are the primary products of research, they may include journal articles, books, book chapters, practice-based artefacts, exhibitions, performances, designs, datasets, software, or other forms. REF panels assess outputs on the following quality scale:
| Star Rating | Definition |
|---|---|
| 4* (World-leading) | Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour. |
| 3* (Internationally excellent) | Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which falls short of the highest standards of excellence. |
| 2* (Recognised internationally) | Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour. |
| 1* (Recognised nationally) | Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour. |
| Unclassified | Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment. |
Engagement and Impact
Impact case studies evidence how Ravensbourne's research has made a difference to the world beyond the university — to businesses, cultural organisations, policymakers, communities, or wider society. Each impact case study must:
- Be grounded in research conducted at Ravensbourne (at least in part).
- Demonstrate impact that occurred within the REF assessment period (typically 2014–2028).
- Present clear, evidenced claims with verifiable indicators (e.g. reach, significance, testimonials, policy adoption, commercial uptake).
- Be written to the standard format specified in REF 2029 guidance.
Strategy, People and Research Environment
The environment element assesses the conditions that support excellent research at Ravensbourne. This covers:
- Strategy and vision for research and its relationship to teaching.
- People — researcher development, support for ECRs and PGR students, equality and inclusion.
- Infrastructure — physical and digital resources, labs, studios, and specialist facilities.
- Collaboration and contribution to the wider research base.
REF Code of Practice
Ravensbourne's REF 2029 Code of Practice sets out our transparent, consistent and fair approach to identifying staff with significant responsibility for research, selecting outputs, and handling individual staff circumstances. The Code has been developed in compliance with REF 2029 guidance and Ravensbourne's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.
Key Principles of the Code
- Transparency: All processes for identifying REF-eligible staff and selecting outputs are clearly documented and communicated.
- Consistency: The same criteria and procedures are applied equitably across all Units of Assessment.
- Accountability: Decisions are made by named governance bodies with clear escalation routes for concerns.
- Inclusivity: Individual staff circumstances are proactively sought and sensitively accommodated.
Staff Identification Process
Staff will be identified as having significant responsibility for research using the following criteria:
- Contract of employment includes a research component.
- Active engagement in original research (publications, grants, supervision, practice-based research).
- Formal allocation of time for research in workload model.
