Tuesday 14th May 2024
9:30am - 3:30pm
Etc Venues, Marble Arch, 86 - 88 Edgware Road Central London
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) Conference 2024 will explore the next steps in the design of REF 2029 and the road to preparation for submitting institutions.
The Conference will take a deep dive into the route to development of REF 2029, following the initial decisions of the funding bodies. Attendees will gain insights on the new people, culture and environment element, policy decisions on open access and how HEIs can prepare for using HESA data on REF volume measures.
Participants will also have an opportunity to engage with a range of institutions on how they are managing preparations for REF 2029, with an exploration of planning, processes and strategic design across the sector.
Objectives
Gain the latest updates on the structure and development of REF 2029
Examine how Guidance on Submissions and Guidance on Codes of Practice will evolve
Explore what the new people, culture and environment element means and approaches to measuring and testing these outcomes
Assess how leading practitioners are developing their strategic planning in preparation for REF 2029
Headline Speakers
Morag Campbell
Assistant Director, Research & Innovation, Scottish Funding Council
Member, REF 2029 Steering Group
Harriet Barnes
Director of Policy and Funding, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
Member, REF 2029 Steering Group
Professor Rusi Jaspal
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange)
University of Brighton
Sue Guthrie
Director, Science and Emerging Technology
RAND Europe
Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
University of Bath
Agenda
9:30 am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
University of Bath (CONFIRMED)
9:40 am
REF 2029 - Building on Initial Decisions: What to Expect and the Road to Preparation
The purpose and structure of REF 2029
Key headlines from the Initial Decisions consultation, including using HESA data and breaking the link between individuals and submissions
People, culture and environment indicators and pilot
Open access policy
Timelines for recruitment of panels and development of guidance and criteria
Morag Campbell
Assistant Director, Research & Innovation, Scottish Funding Council
Member, REF 2029 Steering Group (CONFIRMED)
Harriet Barnes
Director of Policy and Funding, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
Member, REF 2029 Steering Group (CONFIRMED)
10:10 am
What Next on Managing Cost and Complexity in REF 2029?
A quick overview of the evolution of the REF over time, and the drivers of its growth in complexity and therefore cost
An examination of the REF today – is it still fit for purpose?
Is the REF still value for money? Is the size of the prize still worth it? An examination of the costs of the REF, versus the size of QR funding over time
What next for bureaucracy in the REF? A look at potential solutions
Stephanie Smith
Deputy Director of Policy
The Russell Group (CONFIRMED)
10:30 am
Break and Networking
10:50 am
Panel Discussion: Countdown to REF 2029 – Preparation and Planning
Adapting to the proposals for REF 2029 across the assessment period
Engaging in co-production with the funding bodies to support guidance and criteria that will support fair assessment outcomes
Supporting solutions on harnessing HESA data for REF volume measures
Redeveloping institutional Codes of Practice to align with REF 2029
Examining approaches to strategic planning on REF 2029 and learning lessons from REF 2021
Professor Rusi Jaspal
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange)
University of Brighton (CONFIRMED)
Gillian Fairbairn
Director of Research, Innovation and Impact
University of Surrey (CONFIRMED)
Professor Amanda Bretman
Dean of Research Quality
University of Leeds (CONFIRMED)
Professor Helen Griffiths
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
Swansea University (CONFIRMED)
11:40 am
Special Keynote: Overcoming the Big Challenges in Successfully Assessing Research Culture and the Road to REF 2029
Professor Shearer West
Vice Chancellor and President
University of Nottingham (CONFIRMED)
12:05 pm
Lunch and Networking
REF 2029 In Practice: Preparation, Strategy and Delivery
How can institutions adapt to changes to REF, set out a strategic approach and manage preparations for REF 2029? The afternoon sessions at the REF Conference 2024 will allow participants to explore these practical questions and hear from leading practitioners as they grapple the delivery challenges ahead.
1:10 pm
Designing a Strategic Vision for REF 2029: Preparation Across an Institution
Building strategic plans and processes for REF 2029
Managing institutional change
Routes for preparation, changes for REF 2029
Dr Gemma Fitzsimmons
Head of Research Information and Systems
University of Southampton (CONFIRMED)
1:40 pm
How Do We Measure Research Culture? Practical Considerations
Exploring what can (and can’t be captured) by an institution when measuring research culture
Research Culture Data – what do we collect already and how can we use it?
Research Culture Data – what could we collect in the future?
Evaluating performance versus progress
Mark Whelan
Research Culture Manager
Queen Mary University of London (CONFIRMED)
Break and Networking
2:10 pm
2:30 pm
Impact and Engagement in REF2029 Submissions: Planning and Preparation
Learning from REF2021 successes and challenges
Initiatives to strengthen impact culture and achievements
Impact networks and support
Dr Jackie Reynolds
Research Impact Manager, Associate Professor
Staffordshire University (CONFIRMED)
3:00 pm
Learning Points from 6,361 Impact Case Studies in REF 2021
Central themes and profile of REF 2021 impact case studies
How can the REF 2021 impact case studies inform future approaches to research assessment?
Dr Sue Guthrie
Director, Science and Emerging Technology
RAND Europe (CONFIRMED)
3:30 pm
Conference Close
* Programme subject to change
Audience
This Conference is designed for all involved with understand and preparing for REF 2029 across the research landscape. Those in attendance will include:
Heads of Research Culture
Heads of Research Policy
Research Managers
REF Managers
Research Impact Managers
Research Information Managers
Research Project Officers
Pro Vice Chancellors for Research
Directors of Research and Enterprise
Directors of Research Services
Heads of School and Faculty
Heads of Reporting and Evaluation
Heads of Research Excellence and Impact
Heads of Research Operations
Pricing
Public Sector
£345 + VAT
Attendance to REF Conference 2024
Private Sector
£395 + VAT
Attendance to REF Conference 2024
HE Professional
£395 + VAT
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