Research and innovation

Promoting positive cultures of integrity, inclusivity and respect in research and innovation

We work to promote and develop a thriving, excellent research base across Wales through supporting and promoting research and innovation cultures where respect, integrity and inclusivity thrives.

We continue to develop our understanding of how we can work with providers to achieve research cultures that can deliver a nurturing and innovative environment for world-class people and research.

To support the UK-wide effort to promote good research practice, we have signed a number of agreements – called Concordats – and we are a member of UK groups working with other bodies to ensure that these aims are achieved.

Research Excellence Framework

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK-wide instrument for assessing research in higher education institutions.

It is undertaken jointly by all four UK higher education funding bodies – Medr, Research England, Scottish Funding Council, and Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland – and is managed on our behalf by the REF Team, based at Research England.

The four funding bodies form the REF Steering Group, which oversees the process of developing the next UK-wide assessment exercise..

The REF is a process of expert review, and panels of experts in individual academic subject areas assess institutions’ research submissions under three broad headings:

• Contributions to knowledge – the quality of research publications and other forms of research outputs including performances and exhibitions.
• Impact and Engagement – the benefits delivered to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life beyond academia.
• People, culture and environment – the vitality and sustainability of the research environment, including the contribution to the wider discipline or research base that supports research.

The next REF will report in 2029.