On behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies, HEFCE is launching a consultation on the REF; the new process for assessing research in UK higher education institutions, enabling the selective allocation of funding which will replace the RAE.

The REF will focus on three elements, listed below, that together reflect the key characteristics of research excellence. In a manner similar to the RAE, it will be based on universities and higher education colleges submitting evidence of their research activity and outcomes, to a panel of expert panels who will assess them against the three elements.

• Outputs – The primary focus of the REF will be to identify excellent research of all kinds. The quality of research outputs will be assessed against international standards of excellence. All types of high-quality research outputs will be encouraged, and assessed on an equal basis. Outputs will be assessed through a process of expert review, informed by citation information in subjects where robust data are available (for example in medicine and science).

• Impact – Significant additional recognition will be given where researchers build on excellent research to deliver demonstrable benefits to the economy, society, public policy, culture and quality of life. Impacts will be assessed through a case study approach that will be tested in a pilot exercise.

• Environment – The REF will take account of the quality of the research environment in supporting a continuing flow of excellent research and its effective dissemination and application. This will include, for example, the research strategy, staff development and training of postgraduate researchers, and engagement with research users and the public.

The consultation closes on Wednesday 16 December 2009.

For more information please see the HEFCE website.