The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the current system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The most recent exercise took place in 2021 and the full UK-wide results are . The results determine the selective annual allocation of quality-related (QR) grant distribution from Medr in Wales, Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE). The assessment provides accountability for public investment in research and produces evidence of the benefits of this investment. The assessment outcomes provide benchmarking information and establish reputational yardsticks for use within the higher education sector and for public information. The REF assesses research excellence through a process of discipline-based expert review, informed by appropriate quantitative indicators.
The next REF exercise for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions will be conducted in 2029. For further information, please see the .