Focus on team science could ruin REF, warns v-c

A dolphin leaping out of the water to catch a fish

REF 2028 must promote academic freedom

The increased weighting of the environment section poses risks in an era when EDI is increasingly politicised, say Alice Sullivan and John Armstrong

By Alice Sullivan

5 October

A worried scientist in a lab, symbolising research culture

Angst over research culture’s expanded role in REF is misplaced

As a human activity, research cannot but be cultural as much as it is scientific, say Annamaria Carusi and Shomari Lewis-Wilson

By Annamaria Carusi

19 September

Can the REF really address the research environment crisis?

The 2028 exercise’s measurement of the quality of research environments will account for a quarter of overall marks. But what exactly does quality look like? Can it really be measured? And are there political risks in diluting the REF’s focus on outputs? Jack Grove reports

By Jack Grove

31 August

Russell Group ‘nervous’ over downgrading of outputs for REF 2028

Elite universities harbour doubts about shift away from rewarding proven research excellence, says Manchester vice-president, though sector broadly welcomes changes for next assessment exercise

By Jack Grove

21 June

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Reader's comments (1)

#1 Submitted by blacksquareit on February 12, 2025 - 9:01am

This is typical of the decay we see everywhere in society where the focus is moving away from assessment of tangibles. Ignoring measurable outcomes. Not rewarding and recognising true advancements.... but instead focussing on elements that are very subjective, where there is no recognised and accepted standards... and quality of outcomes takes a backseat to other more socially pleasant niceties

Focus on team science ‘ideology’ could ruin REF, warns former v-c

Former Warwick head Sir Nigel Thrift says reduced focus on outputs could undermine case for government support of UK research

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Related articles

REF 2028 must promote academic freedom

Angst over research culture’s expanded role in REF is misplaced

Can the REF really address the research environment crisis?

Russell Group ‘nervous’ over downgrading of outputs for REF 2028

Related universities

University of Warwick

Reader's comments (1)

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Focus on team science ‘ideology’ could ruin REF, warns former v-c

Former Warwick head Sir Nigel Thrift says reduced focus on outputs could undermine case for government support of UK research

Register to continue

Subscribe

Related articles

REF 2028 must promote academic freedom

Angst over research culture’s expanded role in REF is misplaced

Can the REF really address the research environment crisis?

Russell Group ‘nervous’ over downgrading of outputs for REF 2028

Related universities

University of Warwick

Reader's comments (1)

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