REF 2029: What Next?
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
9:00 am - 4:30pm
Virtual Conference
REF 2029: What’s Next? is designed as a strategic checkpoint for institutions already progressing REF 2029 planning. This event is designed to help you move from awareness to action, offering clear, practical insights to support strategic planning across your institution or unit.
The Conference will:
Explore the latest REF 2029 updates, assess progress and plan next steps
Outline changes to CKU, impact case studies, research culture and EDI
Share strategies for data, researcher development and institutional readiness
Address challenges in recognising and rewarding cross-disciplinary research
Why attend the conference?
Gain the latest updates on the development of REF 2029
Understand how institutions across the sector are preparing
Develop your planning processes for the countdown to 2029
Agenda
09:00 am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Professor Tom Rodden Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange University of Nottingham (Invited)
09:10 am
The Road to REF 2029 – Policy, Timelines & Sector Expectations
Outlining the key milestones ahead in the REF 2029 timetable
Understanding Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) and the redefined notion of research excellence
Latest updates on PCE, EDI and the evolution of research culture assessment
How the 2026 Codes of Practice will reshape institutional planning
Anticipating the 2026 Guidance on Submissions: what we know so far and how to prepare
What institutions should prioritise over the next 12–18 months
Dr Steven Hill
Director of Research
Research England (Invited)
This session only is open to the whole sector for free. You can register a place for the live stream here.
09:50 am
Break
10:00 am
Embedding ‘Contributions to Knowledge & Understanding’ in Strategy and Practice
What does CKU mean in practical terms for REF submission? How are institutions reshaping their systems and support to meet new expectations around narrative and excellence? A discussion on how institutions are interpreting and preparing for the new CKU guidance, including internal evaluation frameworks and narrative development.
Integrating CKU into institutional research strategy
Designing internal review and support systems for narratives
Developing staff capabilities to articulate contribution-based research
Managing consistency and quality across UoAs
Using CKU and Code of Practice guidance to recognise non-traditional research contributions
Speakers TBC
10:45 am
Break and Networking
11:00 am
Preparing for REF in a Post-Impact Landscape
What is the evolving role of ‘impact’ within CKU? How are universities reimagining engagement and research value?
Rethinking the role of impact within CKU narratives
Exploring engagement models beyond traditional case studies
Preparing support systems that reflect wider research value
Speakers TBC
11:50 am
Data, Metrics and Monitoring: Getting Ready for Evidence Submission
As REF moves further from output counting and toward broader evidencing of research contribution and culture, this session explores how institutions are adapting their data, infrastructure and analytics to meet emerging requirements.
Meeting new expectations around responsible metrics and CKU evidence
Embedding open access as a strategic capability, not compliance hurdle
Strengthening the role of institutional analytics in research storytelling
Ensuring infrastructure can adapt to meet evolving technical guidance
Aligning systems with anticipated 2026 submission requirements
Speakers TBC
12:30pm
Break and Networking
1:20 pm
EDI and Research Culture – Moving from Compliance to Culture
With REF 2029 asking for clearer articulation of inclusive culture and researcher development, how can institutions respond meaningfully?
Addressing culture and inclusion as core REF priorities
Embedding EDI principles in researcher development
Evidence strategies for demonstrating institutional progress
Using REF as a driver of long-term cultural change
Speakers TBC
2:00 pm
People, Culture & Environment (PCE) – What’s Next?
With new guidance and pilot outcomes expected this autumn, this session explores the strategic role of PCE in REF 2029.
Emerging findings from the PCE pilot and what they mean for submission design
Linking PCE with researcher development, leadership, and culture
Preparing institutions for stronger expectations around environment evidence
2:40 pm
Strategic Readiness & Excellence: Institutional Models for a Diverse Sector
This closing roundtable brings together REF leads and research strategy leaders from across a broad range of institutions to explore how universities are moving from planning into practival delivery. Short case insights from REF leads on what readiness looks like in different contexts and practical approaches for fostering excellence.
Building confidence in narrative-based submissions and CKU interpretation
Designing institutional systems, timelines and governance structures for REF 2029
Supporting excellence across mission groups, sizes and cultures
Lessons from non-Russell Group leadership and collaborative approaches
How strategy, communications and researcher development intersect in preparation
3:30 pm
Closing Reflections & Next Steps
*Programme Subject to Change
Audience
This event is designed for all those involved in preparing for REF 2029. Those in attendance will include:
Directors of Research and Enterprise
Directors of Research and Innovation
Directors of Research Services
Heads of Research Excellence and Impact
Heads of Research Operations
Heads of Research Quality and Policy
Heads of Research Strategy and Engagement
Heads of Reporting and Evaluation
Pro Vice Chancellors, Impact and Innovation
Pro Vice Chancellors, Research and Knowledge Exchange
Deans for Research
Associate Provosts, Innovation and Research
REF and Impact Managers
REF Project Managers
Research Impact Managers
Associate Professors
Secure Your Ticket
Public Sector (HE)
£345 + VAT
Attendance to REF 2029: What Next?
Private Sector
£595 + VAT
Attendance to REF 2029: What Next?
For group discounts and enquiries about your registration please contact us on enquiries@heprofessional.co.uk