REF 2021

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It was first carried out in 2014, replacing the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

The REF outcomes are used to calculate funding for universities' research. Results are also used to inform strategic decisions about national research priorities. Results from the REF are important for:

• reputation
• recruitment
• research funding (Research Excellence Grant)
• national and international league tables.

Further details on the REF can be found on the official REF 2021 website. If you have any queries regarding the REF 2021 process at the University of St Andrews, please contact ris@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Previous REF and RAE results

You can find details on the University of St Andrews results from previous REF and RAE awards on the research excellence pages.  

REF 2021 information for staff

Current staff can find support information for REF 2021, including upcoming events, REF dates, and assessment information.