What is REF and why does it matter?
The REF is carried out approximately every 6-7 years and is one of the key ways to: assess the quality of research across UK universities; show the quality and output of the research on a domestic and global stage; highlight its real-world benefits and the impact research has beyond academic environment, on societies and economies.
REF is used to inform the allocation of Quality Related funding from Research England and it also enables universities to benchmark with peer institutions, as well as helping to shape their strategic direction and their understanding of larger sector-wide trends.
A strong research performance as measured by REF helps to attract researchers and postgraduate students to the University, and also feeds into a number of league tables, which in turn play an important part in undergraduate student recruitment.
It allows the University to showcase some of the fantastic research and impact from across the University – not only to external audiences, but also to inspire students, encourage those starting their research journey and to celebrate its success as a community.
A research output is any form of research published, or otherwise made publicly available, within the set period, such as chapters in books, designs, exhibitions, journal articles, authored books and performances.
The research environment looks at the strategy, resources and infrastructure that support research.
Each participating university was required to submit outputs from all staff with significant responsibility for research with 157 UK universities participating in the exercise.
The University of Hull is committed to social justice and building an inclusive society. Driven by its vision to create a fairer, brighter, carbon neutral future, the University is working to provide solutions to global challenges associated with climate change as well as widening social inclusion – shaping a society that is built on equity, integrity and respect, tackling inequalities and ensuring that every member of its community feels, valued, respected and supported.