UKCDS response to HEFCE’s second consultation on the assessment and funding of research

We broadly welcome HEFCE's proposals. In particular we support the inclusion of impact as part of the research assessment process and we hope HEFCE will ensure this element of the assessment remains following the consultation.

We strongly urge HEFCE to emphasise that international impact is as valid as national impact.

Research that has impact locally in countries outside of the UK should also be valued as much as national and international impacts. Research may have major impacts on communities and developing countries and this should be recognised along with research that contributes to the UK economy.

• Download the response paper (PDF 44.KB)

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) launched its second consultation on the assessment and funding of research in September 2009.

It called for responses to its proposals for a new framework for the funding and assessment of research.

Known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the new arrangement will come into effect in 2014.