The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is conducted by Research England on behalf of the UK higher education funding bodies. The REF informs the selective allocation of Quality Related (QR) funding, provides public evidence of the benefits of research investment and supports the establishment of standards of research quality. The REF is the successor to the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Information about assessments

REF 2021

REF 2014

RAE 2008

RAE 2001

Related pages

Researcher support

Find information about open access, research data management, University of Westminster Press and WestminsterResearch.

Read moreGo to Researcher support page

Research and knowledge exchange governance

Research governance covers the research framework, research ethics, and the college research ethics committee.

Read moreGo to Research and knowledge exchange governance page

Graduate School

Our Graduate School strives to provide a distinctive, high-quality and vibrant experience for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

Read moreGo to Graduate School page