Perceptions of the Research Excellence Framework

Source: Alamy

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The extent of academic scepticism about the research excellence framework’s value has been revealed in a survey, published by the University and College Union earlier this month.

Responses suggest that while academics recognise the need for some kind of research assessment, the majority think that the REF is not an accurate indicator of quality.

More than 60 per cent of about 6,500 respondents to the survey of UCU members feel that the impact of the REF and its predecessor, the research assessment exercise, has been detrimental. More than half say they would like it to be replaced with an alternative evaluation method.

Source: The Research Excellence Framework (REF) - UCU Survey Report

Note: Questions have been abridged by Times Higher Education

elizabeth.gibney@tsleducation.com