Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK-wide system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. REF outcomes help demonstrate the value and impact of research and inform the allocation of public research funding across UK universities. 

REF 2029 is the next assessment exercise and will consider research undertaken during the current assessment period (2021 to 2028).  

Universities across the UK are preparing submissions that demonstrate the quality and breadth of their research, the benefits it delivers beyond academia, and the environments that enable researchers, research-enablers and research communities to flourish. 

The three elements of REF 2029 

REF 2029 comprises three assessment elements: 

Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) - 55% 

This element assesses the originality, significance and rigour of research. Assessment is based on research outputs, which may take a wide range of forms depending on the discipline, including publications, performances, exhibitions, software, datasets, digital and practice-based outputs, and other contributions to knowledge and understanding. 

 Engagement and Impact (E&I) - 25% 

This element assesses the reach and significance of impacts arising from research beyond academia. It considers how research contributes to areas such as society, culture, health, the economy, public policy and the environment. 

Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) - 20% 

This element assesses how institutions and disciplinary areas support the delivery of excellent research. It includes consideration of research strategy, research culture, equality, diversity and inclusion, career development, and the wider environment in which research takes place. 

 REF 2029 timetable 

The University of Bristol's REF 2029 submission will be made in autumn 2028. Assessment will take place during 2029, with the results currently expected to be published in December 2029. 

REF 2029 at the University of Bristol 

Preparation for REF 2029 is being coordinated by the REF Team within Research and Innovation Services, working in partnership with University leadership, faculties, schools and colleagues across the research community. 

The University is committed to preparing for REF 2029 in a way that reflects our values of fairness, transparency, inclusion and responsible research assessment. Through our commitment to CoARA, DORA and related initiatives, we seek to ensure that REF-related processes are informed by expert judgement, appropriate disciplinary context and recognition of the diverse contributions that underpin research excellence. 

Strategic oversight is provided by the REF Oversight Board, chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation. The Board is responsible for overseeing the University's preparations and ensuring that planning and decision-making align with REF requirements, responsible research assessment principles and institutional priorities. 

Further information 

Information about the University's REF 2029 preparations, including governance arrangements, guidance, key contacts and updates, is available to University staff on the REF SharePoint site. 

For further information, please contact the REF Team: ref-help@bristol.ac.uk 

To learn about how the Research Excellence Framework (REF) Impact Team process your data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, read the following document; REF Impact - Service Level Privacy Notice (PDF, 147kB)