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Research Excellence Framework (REF)

12 October 2010

REF

As the University starts its preparations for the 2013 submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), it is important that relevant staff are up to date with the developments and progress that the University is making in relation to the REF. As such we are pleased to announce that new REF webpages have been developed for Cardiff staff and a series of information meetings has also been scheduled.

The REF is the new process for assessing research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and is the successor to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).  The REF will be undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies, to:

  • inform the selective allocation of research funding to HEIs;
  • provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks;
  • provide accountability for public investment in research and demonstrate its benefits.

As a main strategic priority for the University, preparation and implementation of the REF submission has been delegated to the REF sub-group of the University’s Research Committee, chaired by Professor Chris McGuigan. The group have been meeting on a monthly basis since February 2010.

The REF webpages are designed to provide relevant and up to date information including how the REF will work, REF and Impact, the REF timetable as dictated by HEFCE, further information on the Cardiff University’s REF Sub- Group and a REF News section. This site will be continually updated as REF develops so please visit these pages frequently. The webpages can be found at:  http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/ref/

The chair of the REF sub-group will also be hosting information meetings focusing specifically on the REF. The format will be a short presentation followed by the opportunity to ask any questions you may have at this early stage.

Meetings are expected to last 1 hour and have been scheduled for the following dates:

  • Thursday 28th October 2010 at 11am in the Birt Acres Lecture Theatre, Bute Building
  • Friday 29th October at 1pm in the large lecture Theatre, Dental School.

Those who wish to attend any of the meetings are asked to confirm their preferred date by email to ref@cardiff.ac.uk