Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK-wide system used to assess the quality, impact and environment of research in higher education institutions. Its outcomes shape research funding, institutional priorities and the way academic careers are supported.

For aspiring clinical academics, understanding how the REF works can help you navigate academia more confidently and make strategic decisions about your research, collaborations and career development.

What is the REF?

The REF is a national assessment exercise led by the UK’s research funding bodies. Universities submit selected research for expert review, and the results are used to:

• allocate Quality-Related (QR) research funding
• demonstrate accountability for public investment in research
• benchmark research quality across institutions
• inform institutional research strategy, recruitment and promotion

Although individual researchers are not ranked, the REF has a significant influence on how research careers are recognised, resourced and progressed.

How REF 2021 assessed research

REF 2021 evaluated research across three core elements:

Research outputs (60%)

Research outputs included a wide range of scholarly and applied work, such as:

• peer-reviewed publications
• clinical trial reports
• translational and applied research
• health services or implementation research
• evidence syntheses, guidelines, software or datasets

Outputs were assessed on their originality, significance and rigour.

Research impact (25%)

Impact focused on the benefits of research beyond academia, including:

• changes to clinical practice, guidelines or policy
• improvements in patient outcomes or safety
• NHS service innovation or redesign
• public health and population-level benefits

Impact was evidenced through Impact Case Studies, demonstrating how research led to meaningful real-world change.

Research environment (15%)

This element assessed how well institutions support high-quality and sustainable research, including:

• research leadership and strategic vision
• training, mentorship and career development
• equality, diversity and inclusion
• support for clinical academic career pathways
• research infrastructure and NHS partnerships

Proposed changes for REF 2029

Proposed changes to the structure and weighting of the REF have been announced for the next exercise, REF 2029.

Under current proposals, research will be assessed across three elements:

• contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU): 55%
• engagement and Impact (E&I): 25%
• strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE): 20%

What’s changing?

• CKU replaces Research Outputs, placing greater emphasis on the overall contribution research makes to advancing knowledge and understanding, rather than focusing on outputs in isolation.
• SPRE replaces the previous Research Environment element, building on learning from the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot.
• The weighting for SPRE increases to 20%, highlighting the growing importance of people, culture and long-term sustainability in research.
• Engagement and Impact retains a 25% weighting, with stronger emphasis on meaningful engagement and responsible research practices.

This overview summarises proposed changes to REF 2029 based on current sector announcements and commentary. Final guidance and requirements will be confirmed by the REF funding bodies.

Learn more about REF 2029.