The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for evaluating the quality of research produced by higher education institutions. It takes place every 5–7 years and is used to inform research funding decisions as well as to encourage high standards of research.
The most recent REF was held in 2021, with the next scheduled for 2029. REF 2029 will continue this rigorous assessment process, while evolving to reflect changes in the research environment and the needs of society.
To be included in HSU's REF 2029 submission, research outputs must meet the following key requirements:
In-scope outputs – Includes journal articles and conference proceedings published with an ISSN
Open access compliance – Must be deposited in the institutional repository within the required timeframe.
Published 1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2025: Must meet REF 2021 open access policy. Outputs must have been deposited in an appropriate repository within three months of acceptance for publication
Published on/after 1 Jan 2026: Must meet REF 2029 open access policy. Outputs must be deposited in an appropriate repository within three months of publication
Institutional link – Output must show a substantive and demonstrable connection to the submitting institution
Diversity of outputs – Submissions should reflect the breadth of the institution’s research
There is no OA requirement for other output types, such as monographs and book chapters, in REF 2029.
The aims of REF 2029 are to create a research system which:
The funding bodies have identified three objectives for REF 2029 to meet this ambition:
UK Research and Innovation. (2023). REF 2029: Overview. Research Excellence Framework. https://2029.ref.ac.uk/guidance/section-1-overview/