Commenting on the Independent Review of the Research Excellence Framework led by Lord Stern, University Alliance Chief Executive Maddalaine Ansell said:
“We are pleased that Lord Stern recommends that the principles of the REF – including assessment predominantly by peer review – should not change.
“We do have concerns about submitting all research active staff. There can be significant variation in how much time faculty members spend on research that leads to returnable outputs, as many also engage in teaching or contract work for business.
“However, enabling institutions to return more outputs for some research active staff and fewer for others may provide some flexibility.
“The priority will be ensuring research excellence is funded wherever it exists. The REF must not just reward universities with the highest numbers of research active staff. We also agree that the REF should recognise the impact of research on teaching in line with the TEF.”
ENDS
The report of the independent review Building on Success and Learning from Experience was published today.
You can read University Alliance’s full response to the Stern Review consultation here.
