Research Excellence Framework (REF)
In REF2021 91% of Loughborough's research was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions. The assessment provides accountability for public investment in research and produces evidence of the benefits of this research in the form of impact case studies. The REF informs the selective annual allocation of around £2 billion of funding for the period between exercises (6-8 years).
REF is overseen by:
REF 2029
Several changes have been introduced for REF 2029. REF 2029 focuses on institutional contributions, promoting a more inclusive and collective approach to research excellence. The 'Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding' element now replaces the previous 'Outputs' category and carries a 50% weighting.
'Engagement and Impact' sees the minimum number of impact case studies per disciplinary submission reduced to one. The 'People, Culture and Environment' sections replaces the previous 'Environment' element and aims to better reflect institutional research culture and support structures.
Contribution to knowledge and understanding
The contribution to knowledge and understanding (CKU) section is assessed through a combination of submitted research outputs and elements of the Disciplinary-Level Evidence Statement (DLS). Together, these components are expected to contribute 50% of the overall quality profile, although this weighting is still subject to final confirmation.
One of the most notable changes from REF 2021 is the decoupling of outputs from individual researchers. This means that institutions are no longer required to link specific outputs to named staff members and there is no minimum or maximum output requirement per individual.
Where reductions in output volume are necessary due to special circumstances, these are now applied at the unit level rather than the individual level. This change simplifies the process and aligns with the broader move away from individual-level assessment.
Engagement and impact
The engagement and impact (E&I) element of REF 2029 builds on the previous ‘impact’ element but introduces a more integrated approach to assessing how research connects with and benefits wider society. One of the central principles is the emphasis on institutional-level engagement strategies. Impact case studies are complemented by a disciplinary-level evidence statement that contextualises the impact within the unit’s research environment and goals.
Institutions are encouraged to demonstrate how they build and maintain relationships with external partners over time, and how these relationships contribute to meaningful and lasting change. The E&I element is underpinned by equity, transparency, and inclusivity. Institutions must ensure that their processes for identifying and supporting impact are fair and accessible to all researchers, regardless of discipline or career stage.
People, culture and environment
Rather than focusing solely on outputs and impact, The People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element places a strong emphasis on the environments in which research is conducted, and the people who make it possible. This shift acknowledges that a thriving research culture is essential for producing high-quality, inclusive, and impactful research.
Institutions will be required to submit a structured PCE statement that draws on a set of outcomes-focused indicators. The PCE submission will include both disciplinary-level and institutional-level components.
Open Access
The REF 2029 Open Access Policy continues the commitment to making publicly funded research widely accessible. The policy applies specifically to journal articles and conference proceedings, which must be made open access to be eligible for submission.
A key update for REF 2029 is the implementation date for new open access requirements. As of 1 January 2026, outputs must be deposited post-publication within three months, rather than the one-month window.
The policy also addresses embargo periods, supporting sector-wide moves toward shorter or no embargoes. This aligns with broader efforts to retain rights and explore publishing models that enable quicker access to research.
Code of Practice
The Code of Practice (CoP) is a mandatory requirement for all institutions participating in REF 2029. The CoP outlines how each institution will make key decisions about its submission and is designed to embed core principles that ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity throughout the REF process.
The CoP must be approved by the REF funding bodies before an institution can make a submission and must cover the four key areas:
- Identification of Contracts with Significant Responsibility for Research (SRR)
- Determination of Research Independence (RI)
- Selection of Outputs
- Allocation of Contracts to Units of Assessment (UoAs)
Consultation for our Code of Practice will take place between October and November 2025, allowing all colleagues to provide feedback.