Revising the Research Excellence Framework: ensuring quality in REF2021, or new challenges ahead?

Murphy, Tony (2017). Revising the Research Excellence Framework: ensuring quality in REF2021, or new challenges ahead? Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education, 21(1) pp. 34–39.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603108.2016.1246386

Abstract

This paper considers the likely shape of the next UK Research Excellence Framework (REF). It explores some of the recommendations from the 2016 Stern Review (those concerned with ‘outputs’) and their envisaged impact on the exercise. Drawing on lessons learnt from the previous round of the REF, and some wider commentary, the paper considers some of the problems emergent from REF2014, whether they can be mitigated, and whether new problems might emerge in REF2021. Prominently, the issues of ‘burden’ and ‘gaming’ are explored. Although there are some grounds for optimism, much more detail will be needed before we can be reasonably confident about achieving a less burdensome and a more accurate evaluation of research quality within universities across the UK.

Viewing alternatives

Look up in Google Scholar

Metrics

Public Attention

Altmetrics from Altmetric

Number of Citations

Citations from Dimensions
No digital document available to download for this item

Item Actions

Export

About

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)

Recommendations