Research Excellence Framework (REF 2028)- What You Need To Know

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the major national research evaluation system in the United Kingdom. First introduced in 2014 (replacing the earlier Research Assessment Exercise), REF has become one of the most influential mechanisms shaping research strategy, culture, funding, and reputation across UK universities and beyond. Its outcomes determine allocation of about £2 billion in research funding every year and influence hiring, promotion, and strategic decisions across disciplines.

The next full REF cycle was originally scheduled for 2028 (with submissions in late 2027 and results in late 2028), widely referred to as REF 2028. However, following decisions from the UK funding bodies, it has since been postponed and is now set to take place in 2029. Still, much of the ongoing discussion refers to it as “REF 2028” in the sector.

What Is the Research Excellence Framework?

The REF is a periodic, peer-review-based evaluation of research quality in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). Managed by Research England on behalf of the UK’s four funding councils (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), the REF assesses research to:

Allocate Quality-Related (QR) Funding: A major portion of research funding distributed to UK universities is tied to REF outcomes.

Provide Accountability: It demonstrates how public investment in research creates public value.

Benchmark and Guide Strategy: Universities use REF results to benchmark performance nationally and within disciplines.

Participating institutions submit research in Units of Assessment (UOAs): discipline-based panels that span the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and professional fields.

Why REF Matters

REF is more than an exercise in ranking institutions; it has consequential effects across the research ecosystem:

• Funding: A strong REF performance can mean substantial QR funding: money that supports infrastructure, salaries, and strategic initiatives.
• Reputation: REF outcomes influence international and domestic university rankings and reputations — crucial in global competition for talent and partnerships.
• Research Culture: The evaluation shapes incentives, influencing how departments recruit, support, and reward researchers.
• Policy & Public Trust: REF helps government and public audiences understand the value of research investment.

REF has evolved to emphasize not only research outputs but also impact and the research environment.

REF 2028 – What’s New?

Unlike earlier iterations (e.g., REF 2014 and REF 2021), REF 2028 proposes a major rethinking of how research excellence is assessed.

Under the REF 2028 proposals, the assessment framework is composed of three key elements:

• Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (50%)
• Engagement and Impact (25%)
• People, Culture and Environment (25%)

These changes signal a holistic evaluation of research excellence, involving recognition of impact that extends beyond publications alone.

REF 2028 eliminates the previous requirement that all research-active staff must submit at least one output. Instead, institutions will calculate the expected volume of outputs. This change is intended to shift focus from individuals to institutional contributions and reduce administrative burden.

A significant innovation is the requirement for structured narrative statements at disciplinary level that articulate broader contributions to knowledge and impact. These narratives and are meant to capture more qualitative achievements.

Controversies and Sector Responses

REF 2028 has not been without debate: academics, learned societies, and universities have offered both praise and critique.

1. Shift Away from Traditional Output Focus

Some institutional leaders are wary of reducing the emphasis on traditional research outputs (journal articles, monographs, etc.). There are concerns this could dilute the rigor or comparability of assessments.

2. Unintended Incentives and Impact on Individuals

Reforms that decouple individuals from outputs have stirred debate. While intended to encourage team-based research and flexibility, critics are wary of the impact it could have on early career researchers.

3. Fair Representation Among Disciplines

Different subject areas — especially arts, humanities, and social sciences — have expressed concerns about fair representation compared with STEM fields. Questions persist about whether narrative statements and qualitative evaluations can be weighted equitably across diverse disciplines.

4. Administrative Burden

Scholars have highlighted the administrative burden of REF submissions and its impact on researcher wellbeing, issues that have been amplified by the pandemic.

Looking Ahead: Beyond 2028

REF 2028 (or formal REF 2029) represents a transition toward more inclusive, qualitative, and culturally sensitive research evaluation. It acknowledges that:

• Research excellence involves people and culture, not just metrics.
• Societal impact and engagement are central to the value of research.
• Institutional environments that support researchers matter for long-term success.

At the same time, the sector continues to discuss measuring culture and narrative evidence, maintaining field equity, and minimizing perverse incentives.

While REF is a UK system, its influence resonates globally. Researchers outside the UK often use REF results for benchmarking, and institutions in countries with similar evaluation systems (like Australia’s ERA or New Zealand’s PBRF) look to REF as a model.

REF remains a work in progress as a mechanism of accountability and assessment of research impact. Its evolution will be closely observed by scholars, policymakers, and higher education leaders globally.

Key Terms to Know

• QR Funding: Quality-Related funding allocated to universities based on REF outcomes.
• UOA (Unit of Assessment): Discipline-based panel category for submissions.
• Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding: The expanded output criterion in REF 2028.
• People, Culture and Environment: New focus area assessing institutional research culture.
• Engagement and Impact: Broader impact category that includes engagement activities.
• Narrative Statements: Structured accounts of contributions to knowledge and impact.

References

1. Research Excellence Framework overview: UKRI / Research England (2025).
2. REF 2028 initial decisions and design proposals: UKRI (2023).
3. Report on REF evolution and culture focus: NCCPE / stakeholder commentary.
4. Commentary on proposed shifts in outputs and concerns: Times Higher Education.
5. Sector and discipline responses: Royal Economic Society
6. Royal Society of Edinburgh consultation response.
7. Commentary on broader elements and narrative submissions.