Research Assessement

The UK funding councils are developing a new system of research assessment to inform decisions about the distribution of public funds for academic research.

UKCDS became involved in this process to ensure that research relevant to development is recognised and rewarded under the new arrangement.

The new arrangement—known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF)—will see a single unified framework for the funding and assessment of research across all subjects by 2014.

Our submissions

UKCDS submitted a response to the Higher Education Funding Council for England's (HEFCE) initial consultation arguing that the proposed REF would not assist the Government to fulfil its policy objectives for international development.

We also suggested that HEFCE's proposals would not adequately recognise excellence in applied, user-focussed or policy relevant development science research, and we argued against having separate assessment methods for 'science-based' and 'non-science based' subjects on the grounds this could discourage multi- and inter-disciplinary research.

As a result of these, and other recommendations from stakeholders, HEFCE made substantial changes to their proposals.

Second consultation

Following the second consultation in September 2009, we responded indicating our broad support for the inclusion of impact as part of the assessment process but urged HEFCE to emphasise that international impact is as valid as national impact.

The outcomes of the second consultation were published in March 2010. 

In line with UKCDS’ submission to the second consultation, HEFCE are specifically recognising that international development should be considered part of the wide definition of impact.

A decision about the impact assessment will be announced later in 2010 after pilot exercises have been conducted.

For more information contact Kate O'Shea, Senior Research & Policy Analyst at UKCDS.