November 2017
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This timely seminar was an opportunity to discuss the composition of the next cycle of the Research Excellence Framework, following the publication of initial decisions from HEFCE’s consultation on REF 2021.
There was a keynote contribution on key outcomes of the consultation from Kim Hackett, REF Manager and Head of Research Assessment, HEFCE.
Delegates discussed suggested reforms to the framework proposed by Lord Stern’s review, which included recommendations for a broadening of the definition of impact, and for all active research staff in an institution to be submitted as part of the REF process, ending the portability of research outputs if an academic changes institution.
Key areas for discussion included options for reforming expert panel structures to reflect diversity, the impact of the REF on staff welfare and strategies for reducing ‘gaming’ in the system. Further sessions will focus on the REF’s encouragement of interdisciplinary and collaborative research and proposed changes to ‘research environment’ criteria, such as institution-level assessment.
