Research Excellence Framework (REF)

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:

Several changes have been introduced for REF 2029. The framework focuses on institutional contributions, promoting a more inclusive and collective approach to research assessment.

The 'Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding' (CKU) element now replaces the previous 'Outputs' category and accounts for 55% of the overall REF submission.

CKU supports the submission of a broad range of research output types. Outputs are eligible for consideration from all research staff, regardless of whether they contribute to the REF volume measure.

'Engagement and Impact' (E&I) builds on the previous ‘Impact’ element but introduces a more integrated approach to assessing how research connects with and benefits wider society. E&I accounts for 25% of the overall REF submission.

The ‘Strategy, People and Research Environment’ (SPRE) section replaces the previous 'Environment' element and aims to better reflect institutional research strategy, culture and support structures. SPRE accounts for 20% of the overall REF submission.

REF governance

REF Leadership Group sets Loughborough’s REF strategy and is responsible for monitoring progress against key objectives. The group approves the REF Code of Practice, oversees compliance with processes and acts as the final decision-making body for our REF2029 submission.

REF Planning Group oversees preparations across all three REF elements and REF Impact Group supports the development of Impact Case Studies. Operational delivery of REF is supported by the REF Operations Group.

REF Code of Practice

Loughborough’s REF Code of Practice, a mandatory document that sets out our REF processes, was developed in consultation with staff during the 25/26 academic year. It was submitted for approval by the REF funding bodies in May 2026. The submitted version is available here (pdf) (and will later be replaced by the approved version, expected Autumn 2026).

Thank you to all staff who helped develop our REF Code of Practice.

Research Independence

The University undertakes a biannual review of research independence to help determine the size of the REF submission. Further information on research independence can be found on the REF knowledge bank.

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 Open Access to be eligible for REF submission.

Further information on Open Access can be found on our Research Support page.