At Edinburgh Napier University, we are committed to elevating the quality of our research to ensure our research drives innovation and makes a tangible difference to society.
Demonstrating our research impact through REF
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s national system for assessing the quality and impact of research across higher education institutions (HEIs).
About the Research Excellence Framework
The Research Excellence Framework (commonly known as REF) is the UK’s primary mechanism for assessing the quality and impact of research conducted within higher education institutions (HEIs).
Managed by the four national funding bodies—Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland—REF’s outcomes directly influence the allocation of public research funding.
Edinburgh Napier University made a submission to the last assessment exercise in 2021, in which 68% of the research we submitted was judged to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. The next assessment will be REF 2029, with submission in winter 2028.
Supporting our staff and students for REF 2029
REF2029 represents a shift to a broader and more inclusive exercise. Preparing for REF 2029 is a collective effort, and our dedicated REF Team at Edinburgh Napier University is here to assist our staff and students throughout the process. From refining impact case studies to providing guidance on submission requirements, we offer tailored expertise to ensure that our research continues to make a significant contribution.
Our REF team is committed to maximising the visibility and impact of Edinburgh Napier’s research. If you're Edinburgh Napier staff and involved in research and would like support ahead of REF 2029, explore the REF support pages on our Edinburgh Napier University Intranet, or get in touch with the REF Team at REFTeam@napier.ac.uk