It also informs the selective annual allocation of around £2 billion funding to HEIs for the 6-8 year period following the exercise. The last REF exercise took place in 2021 and Loughborough is preparing for the next one in 2029.
The method by which the size of the REF submission is determined has changed for REF 2029. The University’s HESA staff data will be used to calculate a proxy measure of research capacity. This is termed the REF volume measure and it will include staff (contracts) who have significant responsibility for research and those undertaking independent research.
Inclusion in the volume measure does not place an onus on individuals to submit research outputs or impact case studies as the REF rules have changed for 2029. However, as part of Loughborough’s endeavour to improve performance in REF, researchers with high quality research outputs or impact case studies should ensure these are being identified and reviewed within their School so they can be considered for inclusion in the REF submission.
Who will be included in the REF volume measure?
At Loughborough, the volume measure will include all staff on RTE contracts and some staff on SSA and OT contracts who are undertaking independent research.
When are decisions made on research independence?
Associate Deans for Research and Innovation (ADRIs) will undertake a biannual review of research independence during the Spring and Summer. The data collected will inform the University’s HESA staff return that must be submitted early Autumn.
How are decisions made on research independence?
ADRIs within each School will identify staff on SSA and OT contracts who are undertaking independent research based on their School knowledge and information provided to them by Professional Services (eg information on grant awards). Staff will be identified as undertaking independent research, and their contract included in the REF volume measure, where they meet criteria on research activity set out in our REF Code of Practice.
Will I find out about the decision made on research independence?
During the summer 2026, staff on SSA and OT contracts identified as undertaking independent research for REF purposes will be informed by an email from the Research and Innovation Office REF Team. Staff who do not receive an email by end of business Wednesday 19 August 2026 should assume they have not been identified as research independent.
What if I want to query the decision?
The identification of a member of staff as undertaking independent research for REF purposes does not change an individual's contract of employment or affect their likelihood of promotion. However, staff on SSA and OT contracts who believe their research independence status has been incorrectly determined (either way) may wish to discuss this with their Line Manager or Dean. If the query is not resolved within the School, staff may wish to escalate the matter to the REF Leadership Group who will consider it as an appeal and make a final decision. Staff who wish to make an appeal will need to do so by midday Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Further information
The REF Code of Practice, further information about research independence for REF and full details about the appeal process is available on the REF Knowledge Bank.
Alternatively, you can email the RIO REF team via ref@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk with your REF queries.