Impact in the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Owned by Laura Smith
Last updated: 31 Jul, 2023
3 min read

Approximately every 7 years UK universities are assessed on their research quality. A part of this assessment includes impact, and universities provide impact case studies outlining how underpinning research has resulted in impact. Evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the stated impact occurred.

The last REF was in 2021 and the next is expected in 2028. Exact dates haven't been confirmed, but early decisions have been published. Universities start planning their submission 3-4 years before the deadline.

Early Decisions for REF2028

In REF2028, the 'Impact' section will be named 'Engagement and Impact' and will account for 25% of the overall quality profile. As well as impact case studies, universities will need to provide a disciplinary-level evidence statement demonstrating the wider contribution of research activities to society and the economy.

There will no longer be a requirement to assess whether the underpinning research that led to impact is 'excellent' (2*) quality.

The criteria used to assess impact may be expanded, but a final decision has not been made.

Definition of Impact in REF2021

In REF2021 impact was ‘...an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia.’

This could include (but isn't limited to) effects on:

  • Activity, attitude, awareness, behaviour, capacity, opportunity, performance, policy, practice, process or understanding
  • An audience, beneficiary, community, constituency, organisation or individuals
  • Any geographic location whether locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

Impact was assessed on ‘reach and significance‘.

Requirements for Impact Case Studies in REF2021

  • Impact must have taken place since the last REF assessment period and be evidenced
  • Case studies were not necessarily focused on individuals, but instead were assessing performance of the unit
  • Must be underpinned by ‘excellent’ (2*) research undertaken at York during a 20 year period from the last census date
  • This research must have been ‘published, disseminated or made publicly available in the form of assessable research outputs, and confidential reports’
  • Research undertaken solely by research students was not eligible.

Evidencing Impact for REF

Assuming the assessment periods will use the same format as in REF2021 we are already in the next assessment period for impact case studies. This means we need to start collecting impact evidence now, or plan when best to collect the evidence.

It's much easier to get evidence at the appropriate time rather than attempt to get it 5 years later. People change jobs and websites get updated.

Don't be afraid to ask for impact evidence. Keep in touch with contacts and see if the impact has increased over time.

Use SciVal to check whether your publications are cited in policy documents. Although citations don't prove impact in themselves, we may be able to demonstrate links between the research and policy decisions. Research Support can help with SciVal - just email details of the publications you would like checking.

The type of evidence you collect depends on your project and the outcomes. Use the University's Tracking and evidencing impact guide for inspiration.

Examples of evidence include:

  • Testimonials from stakeholders - legislators, industry, NGOs
  • Citations of specific papers in legislation, public facing brochures, parliamentary debates, charity reports
  • Independent surveys that quote specific papers
  • Questionnaire outputs
  • Newspaper / TV interviews (more than 2 minutes on Horizon!)
  • Sales data.

Previous REF Impact Case Studies

REF2021 Impact Case Study Database

Our submitted REF2021 Impact Case Studies:

Other excellent Impact Case Studies: