Response to the UK funding councils consultation on the second Research Excellence Framework

Universities UK welcomes the recognition by the funders that the Research Excellence Framework's (REF) primary focus is identifying research excellence, and is not intended to become an audit of all research produced in UK universities.

We strongly support an overall continuity of approach with REF 2014, wherever possible.

We support the principles set out by Lord Stern and the direction of travel that his review set out for research assessment. However, work needs to be done to ensure that the additional burden of any changes is proportionate to the perceived benefits, and that those principles can be operationalised in a coherent and effective way.