The Research Assessment Exercise

The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) was a process used in the UK to evaluate the quality of research conducted by universities. Experts reviewed academic work to determine standards of excellence across various disciplines. The results influenced funding allocation, rewarding institutions that demonstrated high-quality research. Conducted periodically, the RAE aimed to ensure accountability, maintain research standards, and support the development of an innovative, globally competitive research environment. It has been succeeded by the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which performs a similar role in assessing research quality.