REF 2021
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the national exercise for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Its results are used to inform the research funding that the University of Sussex will receive in the future. The next submission will be made in November 2020, to REF 2021.
AUGUST 2020
Covid-19 has delayed the REF submission until March 2021 but the University’s REF team has continued to make good progress on our preparations.
We reached a key milestone in July 2020, when the REF census took place. This records a snapshot of our research staff profile for determining who is eligible to be included in our final submission.
We are undertaking comprehensive data checking involving Research and Enterprise, HR, the Library, IT Services, and Schools, who work together via the REF Operational and Technical Group.
The final stages of our preparations will involve looking at ways we can maximise the benefit of extra time available, including a comprehensive review of potential new impact case studies, in particular any specifically related to the response to Covid-19 and finalising the institutional environment template.
A good outcome in the next REF is critical for our reputation as a research-intensive institution.
FEBRUARY 2020
Gordon Harold was appointed Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Excellence Framework) in October 2018 to lead the institution’s submission to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Since then he and his team have worked hard on the University’s preparations for REF 2021 which are progressing well. A good outcome in the next REF is critical for our reputation as a research-intensive institution.