REF2029

In 2023 Research England released their "initial decisions" this sets out proposed changes and plans for REF 2029. The consultations undertaken and feedback received from the initial decision, will feed into the "guidance of submission" which is due to be released in 2026.

Whilst we cannot anticipate what the final guidance will look like, the tabs below summarise the changes we know about so far, with links to the REF website and our internal documents.

REF2029 - Lancaster University

If you have any questions please contact Helen Brace, Acting Head of Research Quality and Policy h.brace@lancaster.ac.uk

Tab Content: REF 2029

Below is a summary of changes confirmed for REF 2029 and what criteria will remain the same.

Remaining the same:

  • Final submission 2028 with results published late 2029.
  • UOAs remain the same as REF2021.

Changes:

  • A move away from assessment of individuals with no requirement to submit staff within a volume measure and staff circumstances,
  • Longform publications including books now included (excludes trade books)
  • HESA return to be used to calculate the volume measure,
  • Introduction of three new categories and weighting

Tab Content: Internal REF Guidance

We are currently undertaking an internal REF stocktake on outputs, the stocktake should take place where possible on PURE but if you encounter any problems please get in touch with RSO-Systems and they will be able to advise. The Guidance below should act as assistance.

Deadline for the stocktake is 20th September 2024.

Principles for a REF stocktake

Guidance for internal use:

Tab Content: Research England Information

People, Culture and Environment (PCE) Pilot

Following on from a consultation into PCE, a pilot will begin in November 2024 when guidance is released, submissions are expected from November 2024 to February 2025.

Only 8 UoA’s have been selected for the pilot .

  • Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy (UoA 3)
  • Biological Sciences (UoA 5)
  • Earth Systems and Environmental Science (UoA 7)
  • Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11)
  • Business and Management Studies (UoA 17)
  • Social Work and Social Policy (UoA 20)
  • History (UoA 28)
  • Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies (UoA33)

It is expected results from the pilot will help shape the final guidance due to be released for PCE in 2025.

Open Access

A consultation has just closed on Open Access, it is expected results from this will be published in Autumn/Winter 2024

The consultation looked at the following areas, The details behind each heading can be found on the REF 2029 open access-policy consultation.

  • Proposed REF 2029 OA policy for consultation
  • Proposed exceptions for in-scope journal articles and conference proceedings
  • Proposed requirements for in-scope monographs, book chapters and edited collections
  • Proposed exceptions in-scope monographs, book chapters and edited collections