Research Councils UK (RCUK) today welcomes the announcement of the outcomes of
the Research Excellence Framework (REF) consultation.
RCUK has worked closely with the Funding Councils to ensure that proposals for
the REF will be effective in pursuing shared objectives, particularly in terms of
rewarding excellent research and its impact. RCUK is committed to funding excellent
research, building upon the UK’s world-leading position in an increasingly competitive
global economy.
RCUK welcomes and supports the recognition of impact within the REF as a separate
assessment category and the commitment shown to embedding impact throughout the
process. We support the wide definition of impact, which includes benefits to economy,
society, culture, public policy and services, health, the environment, international
development and quality of life, reinforcing the approach already adopted by RCUK.
We will continue to support the pilot exercise and look forward to working with
HEFCE to contribute expertise in developing impact assessment methodologies.
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Further information:
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes for editors:
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven
Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is
on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by
international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global
research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international
collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure,
and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves
impact; the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge
and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage
and collaborate with the public, business, government and the third sector.
www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).