Research Excellence Framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the principal means of finding out which individuals, departments and institutions are producing the most excellent research in the UK.

The University of Chichester has taken part in this exercise since 1996, when it was known as the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

The next REF assessment will take place in 2029, and the University of Chichester is planning on making a submission.

REF Assessment

About the Research Excellence Framework

Higher Education providers submit their research to REF in discipline-specific Units of Assessment (UOAs). These are then assessed against three main elements, which are considered by independent expert panels:

• People, Culture and Environment (25% weighting)
• Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (50% weighting)
• Engagement and Impact (25% weighting)

The quality of the research is then scored, based on a star rating between 1* and 4*.

• 1* – Recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
• 2* – Recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
• 3* – Internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour
• 4* – World-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour

Our REF Results

Browse our submissions and results