Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The REF (Research Excellence Framework) is the successor to the RAE. The new system will be making much more use of quantitative measures in the assessment of research quality. These will include bibliometrics and also metrics based on grant income, as well as using the more qualitative peer review process. Bibliometric measures involve the determination of the numbers of citations to journal articles published by academics within institutions. These then need to be normalised to the average worldwide citation count for different subject areas.

Implementation of REF at QMU

A REF planning group is being established. Over the coming months a series of awareness sessions are planned to update staff on REF and to provide information about bibliometrics and preferred research citation tools in the context of our Research Strategy, selectivity and career development for researchers.

The institutional contact for the Research Excellence Framework is Kim Gilchrist.

Key Features of REF will be:

• Single unified framework across all subjects.

• Greater use of quantitative indicators in assessment of research quality than RAE, while taking account of key disciplinary differences.

• Assessment will combine quantitative indicators - including bibliometric indicators where appropriate - and expert review. Elements to be used and balance between them, will vary as appropriate to each subject.

• Economic and social impact of research, as well as impact upon public policy, will also contribute to overall assessment of quality.

• Key challenge – Design a “common family” of indicators and review processes for REF as a whole, for each individual group to draw on, to inform robust and rounded profiles that take full account of all types of research.
  

Implementation timescale

• 31 October 2013 - REF Census date.
• Census period – 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2013.
• Results - 2014

For information on our submission and RAE 2008 results click here