Working with the
Research Excellence Framework
Dr Ian Carter
Director of Research and Enterprise
Sussex Research Hive Seminars
10 March 2011
Background
• Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) ran periodically
- used to inform core / QR funding (c£1.8Bn p.a.)
- also used by institutions as part of marketing position
• Deemed to be too administratively burdensome
• Government proposed replacing with metrics based on level of
research income generated
• Second proposal involved a “basket of metrics”, in particular the
significant use of bibliometrics, especially for STEM subjects
• Introduction of Impact
Current Position
• Assessment will be by peer review, informed by metrics
• There will be 36 sub-panels, under four main panels
• Elements will be Outputs, Environment, Impact
• The weight of elements will be uniform across the panels
The REF framework
Overall quality profile
Outputs (65%)
Impact (20%)
Quality of all types of research Economic, social, cultural
and quality of life benefits
Academic impact
Expert review
informed by
bibliometrics
Environment (15%)
Quality and sustainability of
the research environment
Engagement with
users and public
Narrative
informed by
indicators and
exemplars
Narrative
informed by
indicators
Current Position
• Assessment will be by peer review, informed by metrics
• There will be 36 sub-panels, under four main panels
• Elements will be Outputs, Environment, Impact
• The weight of elements will be uniform across the panels
• Submission of selected outputs for selected (eligible) staff
• Environment includes research income and PGR students
• Impact has to occur during the period, evidenced by case studies
(1 + 1 per 10 FTE or part thereof)
• Result will be a profile of 4*, 3*, 2*, 1* and Unclassified
• No funding allocated to 2* and less
Assessment of Research Impact
Research (Output) Period (15 Years)
Assessment Period (5 years)
Timescales
• Guidance on exercise to be published July 11
• Consultation on panel criteria published July 11
• Panel criteria published January 12
• Submission deadline (Late 13)
• Likely dates:
-
Assessment period 1/1/08 – 31/12/13
Income and students up to 31/7/13
Census date 31/10/13
Submission 30/11/13
Results Dec 14
Funding from August 15
University’s Approach
• REF Ready: Framework for preparation and submission
-
Consistent, appropriate practices in schools and departments
Embedding REF preparations in the planning process
Schools currently reviewing publications (completed and planned)
Use of “critical friends”
Senate Working Group about to report
• Improve data capture, management, and reporting
-
People information
Output and impact information
PGR information
Project information
Conclusions
• An evolution of the RAE
• Institutional choices of who, what, and where to submit
• Still issues about data capture
• Admin burden will not decrease
• Continue to be a number of unknowns
• Institutional activity is beginning to pick up
Questions and Discussion