1. REF and Impact Richard Bond
Assistant Director and Head of Research Administration
Research, Business and Innovation
RAE/REF Manager, UWE

2. What we know about the next REF
The definition of impact
What is excluded
The ‘polished tip of the iceberg’?
Are case studies representative
What the REF may discourage
The impact of impact on research
Impact and benefits

3. What do we know about the next REF?

4. What do we know about the next REF?
‘by 2021’ (probably)

5. Impact is defined (in the REF) as:
“an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia”.

6. Impact (in the REF) excludes that which:
is not linked to ‘excellent’ research (2*+)
based on research undertaken elsewhere
based on research more than 15 years ago
impacts on teaching in own institution
cannot be easily corroborated
as well as excluding dissemination and engagement…

7. REF Impact
Non-selected
REF impact
Ineligible
research impact
Non-research impact

8. Are impact case studies representative?
Current criteria tend to favour impact that:
is more easily evidenced
fits the ‘linear’ model better
is based on RC funded work (assumed to be 2*+)
more recent (or based on more recent research)
can be comfortably made public

9. What the REF impact agenda may (unintentionally) discourage/devalue:
based on previous research elsewhere
based on research that may not be ‘excellent’
that is hard to evidence
that is sensitive or controversial
on teaching
based on disciplinary knowledge rather than original research (knowledge exchange)

10. The impact of impact on research:
Behaviour/culture change (in some areas) – converts/doubters/so-whatters
Focus on purpose
Short-termism?
Diversion of resources from research (QR) and non-REF impact (HEIF)

11. Impact, benefits and value
defined as “an effect on, change or benefit…”
assessed by its reach and significance,
Reach: the spread or breadth of influence or effect on the relevant constituencies
Significance: the intensity of the influence or effect.
(Panel A)
but what about its value?

12. Have a good day!