Research and knowledge exchange

Research Excellence Framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) aims to assess the quality of research in UK higher education institutions and the impact of research on the wider world outside of academia, including benefits to the economy, the environment, society, and public policy or services. Find out more with our REF background and guidance information, and how we prepared for REF 2021. Can’t find what you need? Get in touch.

REF 2021

View the results of REF 2021, get the REF explained and read stories about our research impact.

Information for research staff