Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, has responded to the REF 2029 updates following the three-month pause:
“Today’s announcement that the Research Excellence Framework 2029 will resume with new and updated guidance provides universities with much-needed clarity and relief. We welcome the sensible, pragmatic approach taken to refining the framework since the pause – an approach shaped in no small part by the contributions of University Alliance and our fellow mission groups. The resulting changes reduce burdens and maintain continuity with REF 2021, reflecting genuine and extensive engagement with the sector. The updates will allow Universities to resume planning ahead for their submissions without any unnecessary surprises or unexpected burdens.
“We particularly welcome the revised REF 2029 weightings, including the decision to retain a balanced emphasis across Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding, Engagement and Impact, and the new Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) element. This reflects key contributions of University Alliance and our members in building a framework where the outstanding research environments in our institutions are properly recognised and assessed.
“We will have a keen eye on the SPRE guidance to see how this draws on the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot and to what extent the shifts in this element are semantic or substantive.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the funding bodies as the guidance is finalised and implementation progresses.”
ENDS
Read University Alliance’s response to the 3 month pause to the REF.
About University Alliance
University Alliance (UA) represents 17 of the UK’s leading professional and technical universities. Our members specialise in working with industry and employers. Their teaching is hands-on, and designed to prepare students for careers. Their knowledge and research drive industry to innovate, thrive and meet challenges.
Our members are leading the way in innovation and business support in the green, tech, creative and healthcare industries. They educate 1 in 3 of the country’s nurses. They are leading providers of teaching in healthcare, the creative arts, degree apprenticeships and more.
We collaborate as UA to benefit our members and their communities, and to provide expertise to policy makers.
Our members are: Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham City University, University of Brighton, Coventry University, University of Derby, University of Greenwich, University of Hertfordshire, Kingston University, Leeds Beckett University, Middlesex University, Oxford Brookes University, Robert Gordon University, University of South Wales, Teesside University, University of West London, UWE Bristol, University of Westminster
About University Alliance
University Alliance (UA) represents 17 of the UK’s leading professional and technical universities. Our members specialise in working with industry and employers. Their teaching is hands-on, and designed to prepare students for careers. Their knowledge and research drive industry to innovate, thrive and meet challenges.
Our members are leading the way in innovation and business support in the green, tech, creative and healthcare industries. They educate 1 in 3 of the country’s nurses. They are leading providers of teaching in healthcare, the creative arts, degree apprenticeships and more.
We collaborate as UA to benefit our members and their communities, and to provide expertise to policy makers. Our members are: Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham City University, University of Brighton, Coventry University, University of Derby, University of Greenwich, University of Hertfordshire, Kingston University, Leeds Beckett University, Middlesex University, Oxford Brookes University, Robert Gordon University, University of South Wales, Teesside University, University of West London, UWE Bristol, University of Westminster
