HEFCE has published a summary of the Research Excellence Framework consultation outcomes together with the initial decisions and the next steps.
One highlight from a researcher development perspective included in the now published summary document states that while the quality of research outputs continue to be the primary factor in the assessment, there was a widespread agreement that the research environment should be a significant factor in the assessment. Many responses emphasized the importance of particular issues to be considered within this element, including:
- plans and strategies to foster excellent research in the future (with the environment element providing a forward-looking aspect to the assessment)
- the training and development of research staff and support for early-career researchers (some suggested there should be explicit references to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers)
More information and download of the summary of responses available at the HEFCE website
Vitae submission to the REF consultation