The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national exercise to assess research excellence from UK universities. REF results inform the allocation of around £2bn of research funding and impact the reputation of universities. As a result, the way REF is assessed has a huge impact on decision making and prioritization internally within the university.

Currently, PGR contributions are not directly valued in the way REF is assessed, but changes are being planned for REF 2028 as the element of REF that assesses is currently out for consultation and this is an important opportunity to raise the profile of PGR both in REF but also within the University of Bristol.

It is expected that this new expanded element of the REF will move away from heavily weighting the contribution from individuals and outputs (publications) to be more balanced towards all researchers and ‘research enabling staff’ and the environment and culture needed to produce good research.  

This attempt to be more inclusive and address some of the concerns around competitive research cultures presents an opportunity to better represent PGR contributions as part of the REF which can sometimes be overshadowed. It will be important to capitalize on this opportunity by representing the PGR voice in this consultation.  

The Bristol Doctoral College and staff working in this space strongly encourage PGRs to contribute to the consultation to represent the PGR voice. The deadline for contributions is the 1st of December.