We caught up with Matt Snowdon, Dean of Academic Partnerships (UK) and Director of Research and Enterprise Operations, to find out what the Research Excellence Framework (REF) is, why it matters and what you should do if you want to get involved.

What is REF?

REF is a periodic assessment of the quality of research that has three elements. The first element looks at output, with an in-depth review of research outputs by panels of subject experts. The second area is impact, which has been growing in importance. This looks at what happens after research has been conducted, did that research lead to anything positive in terms of economy and society – did it make a difference?

Finally, what is the research environment like? How supportive is it, what capacity is there and how capable is the research function?

Read more via the REF website.

How have we delivered research success at UWL?

We have had a clear commitment to research in the last strategic plan that has been matched by investment in research that has enabled us to bring in new staff, encourage academics to undertake research and to build our research infrastructure. Importantly, this has been led by our Vice-Chancellor who has played a key role in bringing the University’s vision for research to reality.

Beyond those working in research, why does REF matter to UWL?

REF demonstrates that we are generating world-leading (4*) research and that feeds through into what we teach students. The increased focus on the application of research in society enables us to educate students in the latest thinking and in ways to support their employability.

From a business perspective, it provides an insight into our expertise and demonstrates that we have an array of knowledge that we can use to help businesses innovate and improve.

How will REF benefit UWL?

A lot of government funding is directly derived from the REF result so we can expect that our improved REF result will lead to increase in research funds. But it also improves our credibility with other funders and shows to them that by funding research at UWL that can expect quality work, that has good outputs and leads to measurable outcomes.

Generating new knowledge through research also gives us opportunities to use that knowledge in ways to benefit the economy or wider society. Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities like consultancy, running short courses, spin-outs, providing input into policy, or Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) all underpin the KE funding we receive that we can use for things like the KE Seed Funds.

As a University, our REF result will also give a massive boost to our reputation in the sector and beyond. We are already known for the great student experience we provide and the quality of our teaching, now we are growing force in research too.

How can colleagues get involved in research?

Research takes time and therefore you need to plan and set time aside. The best way to get time in your workload to undertake research is to secure research funding and whatever stage of career you are at, there are pots of money available to you. Now is also a great time to speak to your line manager to discuss how research and knowledge exchange can be part of your future as part of your appraisal.

Matt and both the Research and Knowledge Exchange Teams will be at the REF celebration at 4pm on Tuesday 17 May in the Gallery, St Mary’s Road (the area by the SU Café), and will be available to speak to colleagues who want to know more about research at UWL.