Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a system used in the UK to assess the quality of research produced by universities. Conducted every few years, it evaluates research based on three main aspects: the quality of research outputs, the impact of research on society and the economy, and the research environment. This assessment helps allocate funding to universities and influences rankings. By understanding the strengths of different institutions, REF aims to enhance the quality of research across the higher education sector and support public investment in research initiatives.