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Research Excellence Framework

Preparations are underway for the University's Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 submission. Previous submissions were made to REF 2021 and REF 2014. This page directs you to the key resources and guidance available to help you learn about the REF and the approach to preparations at Cambridge

REF 2029 at Cambridge

Staff and students can find detailed information about how the University is preparing for REF 2029 on the REF 2029 at Cambridge SharePoint site.

REF 2029 Cambridge SharePoint

REF 2029 key information

REF Impact

Impact in the REF is defined as ‘ an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia ’. 

Staff Eligibility and the HESA Staff Return

REF and the annual HESA Staff Return. Why is it important to get this right?

Open Access

The REF Open Access policy requires that journal articles and conference proceedings with an ISSN must be made open access to be eligible for inclusion in the REF submission. This policy applies to outputs published from 1 January 2021.