Welcoming a considered and balanced Research Excellence Framework
By Professor Nick Brook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Today (December 10) marks a significant milestone for the higher education sector as we look towards the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2029.
In September, Science Minister Patrick Vallance announced a temporary pause to the REF in order to scrutinise changes that were announced following the previous Framework in 2021.
It has now been announced that the UK funding bodies have resumed the REF 2029 criteria-setting process, with the short pause allowing a period of reflection to help better align the process with government priorities and consider feedback from across the sector.
This pause, while controversial, has been crucial in determining the way in which the quality of research in UK higher education is assessed.
The results of the REF inform the allocation of research funding across the UK, provide benchmarking information for rankings, and give accountability for public investment in research.
In the previous REF in 2021, Manchester Met was rated as one of the top modern universities for research quality with 30% of our research across more than 740 academics rated as world-leading.
Our University is identified as one of the very best universities in the UK for research power in our key strength areas such as art and design (2nd), sport (6th), English (8th) and education (9th).
Following the pause to the process for 2029, I welcome the emphasis on the quality of research outputs. At the same time, I continue to recognise the diversity of research outputs across disciplines, as highlighted in a previous HEPI blog I co-authored.
I am also pleased to see recognition of the importance of people and environment, which is crucial for our University in supporting diversity, in its widest sense, while providing the ability for researchers to collaborate both internally and externally with a focus around our clear research strengths.
High-quality research cannot thrive without the right environment. A strong, supportive culture is essential, not only for sustaining excellence but also for safeguarding the wellbeing of researchers. Without this, outputs can come at a human cost, often unethical and ultimately detrimental to research quality.
And finally, I welcome efforts to reduce bureaucracy and streamline processes. Simplification allows institutions to focus on what matters most: supporting high-quality, impactful research.
It is also important to recognise that organisational culture is shaped at an institutional level, and REF 2029 should reflect this reality.
Producing impactful research that tackles some of the greatest challenges the world is facing is a key element of Manchester Met’s district approach to research.
With the direction and clarified approach to REF 2029, me and my colleagues are looking forward to being able to show the value that Manchester Met delivers regionally, nationally and globally, producing ground-breaking research that drives prosperity, enriches communities and changes lives.
Find out more about the REF and the University’s results in REF 2021.
