Post-REF analysis and thoughts to the future

This time around, the process included submissions of all staff in post with significant responsibility for research. This has provided fresh insight into the quality of research conducted across the breadth of university activity throughout the UK, exposing pockets of world-leading excellence and strong impact from every region and in all 34 units of assessment (UoAs).

Some analyses have projected that institutions outside the golden triangle are likely to boost their share of recurrent research funding on the back of improved performance in REF 2021, including the universities of Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool. Regionally, we have seen an improvement for both major universities in Northern Ireland; however, as I said in a recent Research Professional report, increased HE funding overall is critical for the region: "This REF is clear evidence of the benefits of concentrating a critical mass of researchers in areas of strength and an increased pot for QR would help us to invest further in the talent that will drive forward the regional economy."

Our Performance

In terms of Queen’s overall performance, for me, there were a few standout points:  

We are conducting world-class research: I am extremely pleased that world-class research is happening across a variety of key disciplines. In particular, our outstanding achievements in agri-food, health and biomedical, law and engineering are something to be proud of. 

More of our researchers are conducting excellent research: 88% of our research was assessed as being world-leading or internationally excellent, with almost half of our staff in the five most highly assessed submissions. Having submitted in 22 units of assessment, this reflects the depth of quality of Queen’s breadth of research. 

A healthy research culture is conducive to better results: 99% of our research environment is world-leading or internationally excellent. Our Research Culture Action Plan underlines our commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all our staff and students. I am pleased that our REF performance reflects that commitment, and I am determined that we continue to put words into action. 

 

Collaborations

Another key point which the REF process has reinforced for me is the importance of collaboration as an essential component of success. I’ve seen this on several fronts: 

Collaborations within Queen’s 

We have seen huge benefits in embracing the move towards combined submissions across broad disciplinary areas, making way for top quality submissions. This has been reflected in our high-performing areas particularly agri-food, health and biosciences disciplines and engineering. 

Collaborations across Northern Ireland 

REF has highlighted the complementary strengths held by our counterparts in Ulster University, and has reinforced my belief that Queen’s and Ulster are uniquely positioned to drive forward societal and economic growth in Northern Ireland, through further collaborations with industry partners and by channelling our combined strengths to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives in this region, through for example, our activities in Belfast Region City Deal. 

Collaborations across the world 

With ‘Global Britain’ being central components of the UK’s R&D strategy with a focus on making the UK a Global Science Superpower, REF has shown us the potential benefit of higher education institutes across the UK working together to optimize UK R&D and industry collaboration in the global landscape. REF has demonstrated that research excellence is prevalent right across the UK and it is essential for the levelling up agenda that this excellence is utilized on the global stage for the benefit of all. 

 

Future REF

Already there is much discussion about what form future REF exercises will take. Sustained improvements to the REF process are essential for its continued utility as a mechanism to drive up the quality of research undertaken in the UK, as we have seen in other improvements to the REF assessment such as the introduction of the open access policy and the emphasis on research impact; two initiatives that have had huge public benefit. 

We at Queen’s are proactively contributing to the work that is required to determine how REF can act as a positive driver for research culture and it is encouraging to see that the agenda to push forward equality, diversity and inclusion is central to these conversations.  

Professor Dianne Berry OBE, Chair of the REF Equality and Diversity Advisory Panel (EDAP), recently expressed how, from the initial planning stages, REF 2021 was ‘seen as an opportunity to bring about further positive cultural change across the sector’. Whilst this is a positive statement, there is widespread consensus that progress on this is moving much too slowly. In June, the REF Equality & Diversity Advisory Panel (EDAP) will publish its final report on supporting and promoting EDI in REF and its conclusions will be keenly observed.  

The Future Research Assessment Panel (FRAP) programme seeks to understand what a healthy, thriving research system looks like and how an assessment model can best form its foundation. At Queen’s we are taking part in this conversation, driven by our belief that true excellence is underpinned by diversity and a healthy research culture.