Research Excellence Framework:
The Sussex Perspective
Dr Ian Carter
Director of Research and Enterprise
Sussex Research Hive Seminars
31 January 2012
A Summary of the REF
• Used to inform core / QR funding (c£1.8Bn p.a.)
• Assessment is by peer review, informed by metrics
• There are 36 sub-panels, under four main panels
• Elements are Outputs (65%), Environment (15%), Impact (20%)
• Submission of selected outputs for selected (eligible) staff
• Environment includes research income and PGR degrees
• Impact has to occur during the period, evidenced by case studies
(2 for the first 14.99 FTE + 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
Timescales
• Guidance on exercise published July 11
• Final panel criteria published January 12
• Assessment period:
1/1/08 – 31/12/13
• Income and students:
up to 31/7/13
• Census date:
31/10/13
• Submission:
28/11/13
• 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
- Use of “critical friends”
• Pilot REF (to compete March 12)
- Schools reviewing publications (completed and planned)
- Initial outline impact case studies
• Code of Practice approved and submitted July 12
• Full Dummy Run January 13
• Final draft submissions July 13
• Steering Group, Data Group, and central team
Questions and Discussion
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
Assessment of Research Impact
Research (Output) Period (15 Years)
Assessment Period (5 years)