About REF
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. This assessment takes place approximately every seven to eight years. The first exercise took place in 2014, replacing the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the second in 2021 and we are now preparing for our third exercise, REF 2029.
Purpose of REF 2029
The purpose of REF is to assess the quality and impact of research. The core aims and objectives have evolved over time based on the learning and evaluation of the previous exercises. The objectives for REF 2029 are to:
- inform the selective allocation of block-grant research funding (Quality Related Funding)
- provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment
- provide insights into the health of research in HEIs in the UK
Importance of REF 2029
REF is important to the University and our community for a number of reasons, this includes:
- enabling us to do more excellent and impactful research by providing us with financial resources to invest in our research community and infrastructure
- Results of REF informs the allocation of Quality-related Research (QR) funding which is a block-grant awarded on research quality
- Research England also use Quality-related Research (QR) funding to support strategic initiatives including improvements in research culture, policy engagement and public involvement
- helping to enhance our reputation in terms of the excellent research that is being undertaken and the good that it is doing in the world (impact)
- giving you a platform to celebrate, share and recognise your work and the impact that you are achieving
- helping to enhance recognition of the quality and relevance of the Universities research
- helping to drive change, including to generate a greater focus on impact and our research culture and environment
- providing accountability back to our funders and wider society
More information about REF 2029, its core purpose and latest news.
How REF 2029 is assessed
We will be invited to make a submission into a number of discipline-based areas known as Units of Assessment (UoAs). Submissions are assessed by an expert sub-panel for each UoA, working under the guidance of four main panels, these are:
- Main panel A: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
- Main panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
- Main panel C: Social Sciences
- Main panel D: Arts and Humanities
More on the REF 2029 assessment process.
What REF 2029 assesses
There are three core elements that are assessed as part of the exercise, these are:
Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) (50% tbc)
This is an assessment of the contribution the HEI has made to knowledge and understanding within a specific disciplinary area in terms of its originality, significance and rigour. This will be assessed through expert peer review of Research Outputs and an explanatory statement about the wider contribution to the discipline.
People, Culture and Environment (PCE) (25%tbc)
This is an assessment of the HEIs environment and culture at a disciplinary (UoA) and institutional level in terms of its vitality, sustainability and rigour. An assessment framework has been piloted and is likely to include an assessment of whether processes/ policies/ practices are in place that support excellence in 5 'enabling' areas (Strategy, Connectivity, Inclusion, Development, Responsibility), and have evidence of positive impact within and beyond the institution. This will be assessed through expert peer review of an evidence statement.
Engagement and Impact (E&I) (25%tbc)
This is an assessment of our engagement activities and the impact of our research outside of academia in terms of its significance, reach and rigour* (a new criterion* and refers to the process for delivering impact). Impact is defined as "any identifiable benefit or positive influence on the economy, society, public policy or services, cultures, the environment and quality of life, beyond academia". This will be assessed through expert peer review of impact case studies (ICS), example stories of change, and an explanatory statement of the wider engagement activities and impact.
Please note that we are expecting more information on the elements of assessment and how they will be assessed in Summer 2025.
Please also note these have changed since 2014 and 2021 to support a broader assessment. More on how the assessment has changed.
See our latest update on REF 2029 or the latest lunch with impact slides.
Key dates for your diary
Key dates for eligibility
People, Culture and Environment (PCE)
We are expecting it to be reporting against progress made since the REF 2021 submission, so from 1 August 2020 until the date of submission, 31 July 2028, plus plans to enhance research culture over next five years (2033/4).
Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU)
We are expecting to include research outputs that have a substantial link to the University of Bath from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2028.
Engagement and Impact (E&I)
We are expecting that we will include ICSs that can show impact being achieved between 1 August 2020 – 31 July 2028 that is underpinned by research with a substantial link to the University of Bath from 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2028.
These dates will be updated once the final guidance is published in Winter 2025.
Key date for planning and submission
External
See the full list of external publication and submission dates for REF 2029.
- 2025: Publication of key policies and guidance including open access policy, code of practice guidance, contribution to knowledge and understanding policy, engagement and impact policy
- 2026: Full guidance on submission is finalised and published
- 2027: Submission intentions deadline
- 2028: Submission deadline
- 2029: Publication of results
These links will be updated as the guidance, policies and timelines (specific dates) are confirmed.
Internal
Since 2022 we have been undertaking some internal preparations for REF to understand our current position and build on lessons learnt from previous exercises. See our slides for further information and future timeline.
For more information, including a more detailed timeline of all activities please contact the Research Excellence and Impact Team on ref@bath.ac.uk.
Principles of research assessment and management
The University has developed a set of principles outlining its approach to research assessment and management, including the responsible use of quantitative indicators. The University’s preparations for REF 2021 were made in accordance with these principles. The University has also signed up to DORA and the University’s preparations for REF 2029 will be made in accordance with these updated principles.
Managing your information
The University uses Pure to manage information about our research and to make our REF submissions; you should ensure all your publications are in Pure and meet the Research England Open Access policy and REF 2029 OA Policy, alongside your impact case studies and related activities and evidence. The Library REF-ready guide will help you ensure that your work is eligible for REF submission. For support with using Pure, please use our Pure guides or contact the Pure team on pure@bath.ac.uk.
Our University Code of Practice
We are in the process of developing and consulting on our Code of Practice. Our Code of Practice sets out our principles, alongside our policies, processes and procedures, to be used by the Institution in preparing our submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029. To find out more about our code of practice, then please visit the following webpages
Available support for REF
There are a number of ways that you can get support with preparing for the REF, whether it is producing a high-quality research output, writing an ICS or preparing your people, culture and environment statement.
You can contact the Research Excellence and Impact Team. They will be able to provide you information on the University preparations, sign post you to key members of their team, and the wider University, who can help you answer specific questions about the REF process, guidance and timescales. They can also support you with writing your ICS and evidence statements. Please email your questions to ref@bath.ac.uk.
Keep an eye open for events such as writing retreats, workshops, training and development opportunities on our RIS event webpages.
Faculty or UoA support
Speak to your Associate Dean for Research or your Faculty Research Strategy Manager to find out about your Faculty/School approach to preparing for REF and the support available.
We are currently in the process of identifying Unit of Assessment Leads, See our lunch with impact slides for further information .
For Engagement and Impact speak to your Impact lead in your Department.
Funding opportunities
See the following information for funding opportunities from: