REF 2014 Briefing

Professor Edmund BurkeDr John Rogers

May 2013

This briefing will cover:• Quality standard set for inclusion in

submissions• Intended Units of Assessment • Update on decision making process• Most importantly, your questions

“The 2014 REF marks a key performance milestone for the University's overallStrategic Plan.”

Strategic Objectives for 2014 REF• Upper quartile by overall quality rating• Overall Grade Point Average of 2.85 or higher• At least 20% 4*, 50% 3* and the remainder 2*• Demonstrate research impact (20% of grade)• Demonstrate research environment (15%)• Critical mass: upper quartile by volume in

many areas (at UoA level)• Increase in SFC quality related funding

Upper quartile cut off

Stirling 56th (of 132); 23rd of 33 in Q2Second quartile cut off

In the 2001 RAE, Stirling was 43rd out of 136 HEIs and 9th in the second quartile. In 2008…

Why quality matters:• Exceptionally competitive operating environment• Selective policy and funding focus on highest

level of research excellence • Reputation drives further success:

– Staff and student recruitment– Investment from funders– Attraction of partners and collaborators– Global position and recognition

The importance of 4* in fundingScenario profiles Weight Weighted Average Quality Weight Grade Point Average

Funding League Table

4* 5 15 20 30 3 15 45 60 90 4 20 60 80 120

3* 10 30 50 60 1 10 30 50 60 3 30 90 150 180

2* 45 35 30 10 0 0 0 0 0 2 90 70 60 20

1* 40 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 40 20 0 0

100 100 100 100 Sum 25 75 110 150 Sum 180 240 290 320

/100 0.25 0.75 1.10 1.50 /100 1.80 2.40 2.90 3.20

Ratio 1.00 3.00 4.40 6.00 1.00 1.33 1.61 1.78

Plus additional SFC funding for 4* only in 2013-14…

Volume: 2008 RAE by UoA

Quality and volume: How will the sector change?“Fears that historically low numbers of researchers will be submitted to the 2014 REF have abounded ever since the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills instructed the Higher Education Funding Council for England, at the end of 2010, to confine quality-related funding to ‘internationally excellent research’".

Times Higher Education, 20 Sept 2012

Key decisions• Senior Management Team considered at

length during February residential meeting• Unanimous view to focus on quality profile and

reputation• Critical mass in all UoAs submitted to also

important• Decisions by University Strategy and Policy

Group (USPG)

Output quality:

The quality of the portfolio of research outputs presented by a member of eligible staff in order to meet the standard required for inclusion in a REF 2014 submission is a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher.

Units of AssessmentNumber Title

   A3 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and PharmacyA4 Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceA6 Agriculture, Veterinary and Food ScienceB7 Earth Systems and Environmental ScienceB11 Computer Science and InformaticsC19 Business and Management StudiesC20 LawC22 Social Work and Social PolicyC25 EducationC26 Sports and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and TourismD29 English Language and LiteratureD30 HistoryD32 PhilosophyD36 Communication, Cultural and Media Studies

And possibly   C17 Geography, Environmental Studies and ArchaeologyC21 Politics and International Studies

Decision Making Process• For inclusion of eligible staff in submissions:

– Governed by Court approved Code of Practice– REF Assessment Committee makes

recommendations to the Principal– Decisions made by Principal, advised by

USPG– All decisions must be made by 15 November– In practice, most will be taken earlier

Decision Making Process• To optimise the submissions made by the

University– Led by Deputy Principal for Research– Informed by research reviews– Ongoing discussion with Heads of School – Regular discussion by USPG – Final decisions by Principal, advised by

USPG

Current progress• Additional research reviews, following on from

2012 exercise, underway• Initial consideration of all eligible staff by REF

Assessment Committee undertaken (April)• No recommendations made yet, in order to

ensure best possible information is available to support the decision-making process

• Update provided by email to all academic staff on 14 May

Further information• Individual email communication with academic

staff as process continues• Full REF information via staff portal (under

both Working at Stirling and Research tabs)• Email Helpline: ref@stir.ac.uk

Questions?