REF 2029 Timeline
The REF external timetable provides UK wide milestones in REF2029.
2021
2021
Output eligibility
The eligibility period for outputs has yet to be confirmed, it is likely that outputs published between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2027* will be eligible for inclusion in REF 2028.
* Exact dates to be confirmed when final REF 2028 guidance is published.
2022
2023
May/June 2023
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss REF 2028 Impact Case Study (ICS) submissions for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
June 2023
Initial decisions published and issues for further consultation advised
The four UK higher education funding bodies (Research England, SFC, HEFCW and DfE NI) published key decisions on the high-level design of the next research assessment exercise and outlined issues for further consultation.
A survey was issued by Research England on behalf of the four UK funding bodies. requesting input on specific policy aspects.
An internal consultation process was carried out to develop a formal University response to the consultation.
September 2023
Deadline for input to the institutional response to the Future Research Assessment Programme (FRAP) consultation on the initial decisions - 12 September 2023
UK REF team launch of commissioned work and invitation to comment on the assessment of People, Culture and Environment.
October 2023
Deadline for input to the REF 2028 consultation survey - 6 October 2023
October/November 2023
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the People, Culture and Environment submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
UK REF Team launch of Open Access consultation
December 2023
UK REF Team publish further decisions on REF 2028.
This will possibly include detailed HESA guidance, eligibility of outputs and impact case study numbers.
UK REF team's deadline to comment on the assessment of People, Culture and Environment - 1 December 2023.
UK REF team launch recruitment of Committee Chairs
Winter 2023-24
UK REF team open call for recruitment of panel members
2024
Spring 2024
REF Panels meet to develop and set criteria
April 2024
UK REF Team publication of Open Access requirements
May/June 2024
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
Summer 2024
UK REF Team publication of draft guidance
This will include draft guidance on submissions and panel criteria as well as a report on PCE indicators.
October/November 2024
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
Winter 2024
UK REF team publish final guidance and criteria.
2025
May/June 2025
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
October/November 2025
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
2026
May/June 2026
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
October/November 2026
UOA Executive Panel meetings
Review meetings to discuss the progress of the submission for each UOA, attended by UOA leads and representatives from the Research Excellence Board (REB).
2027
End 2027
Deadline for submissions
2028
End 2028
Publication of results