Library REF session 10 March 2011

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For the purposes of the REF, research will be defined as ‘a process of investigation leading to new insights effectively shared’;
In social sciences, research submitted is likely to range from entirely theoretical/methodological contributions through to very applied research;
But, any very applied research must make clear the theoretical and/or methodological underpinnings.

What are ‘REFable’ outputs?
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• All types of outputs from research meeting the definition are eligible for submission, including ‘grey literature’ and practicebased outputs;
• ‘Output statements’ to cover research basis of publication if not clear, user significance & coauthorship (can’t submit to same submission);
• From RAE 2008, sub-panel criteria stated: “the sub-panel will have regard to the research quality and not to the type of output.”
• This university privileges peer reviewed journal publications in internationally recognised outlets, peer reviewed authored or coauthored books. Editing as a scholarly activity only in research environment. Book chapters if peer reviewed;
• Quality of outputs is assessed by rigour, originality and significance.

Rigour, significance and originality
Definitions from 2008
• Rigour methodological and theoretical robustness, …includes traditional qualities such as reliability and validity, and also qualities such as integrity, consistency of argument & consideration of ethical issues… demonstrating a sound background of scholarship,
…engagement with relevant literature,
• Originality engages with new or complex problems or debates and/or tackles existing problems in new ways. eg. a review of existing research
… if it analyses and/or synthesises the field in new ways, providing new and salient conceptualisations…innovative methods and methodologies, analytical models or theories and concepts.
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• Significance the extent to which research outputs display the capacity to make a difference either through intellectual influence within the academic sphere, or through actual or potential use beyond the academic sphere, or both.

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Interdisciplinarity and the REF
• Interdisciplinary funding likely to be more favorably received than previously because:
• submissions not always related to a single, coherent organisational structure e.g. Anthropology & development studies;
• members with specific interdisciplinary expertise to be included on sub-panels;
• cross-panel membership encouraged in cases where there are strong connections across panels.

Priorities and strategies
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• Publication – aim high and prioritise until end 2012? Check electronic release of papers in journals.
• Research income – diversify funders, target research councils, spur in 2012 and 2013 but need to spend it?
• Support across departmental/school community – those that have 4 plus strong publications to assist others?
• Planned co-authorship
• Planned role as co-PIs for strong contract researchers
• Impact – keep running record and evidence with names of possible verifiers