REF 2021 - Research Excellence Framework

Welcome to Ulster University’s REF website. These pages are designed to help us in our preparations for REF2021 and will be adapted and added to as we work towards our REF submission.

REF2021 Timeline

Download a copy of the REF2021 national timeline and Ulster’s supporting actions.

In light of the current Pandemic, the REF 2020 timeline is being revisited.

A revised timetable will be available in July 2020.

View the REF2021 Timeline

Privacy notice

Download a copy of the REF 2021 Impact Privacy Notice

Latest research news

Depression and anxiety spiked after lockdown announcement, coronavirus mental health study shows

31 March 2020

Changing the lives of people living with dementia with new memory supporting app

11 March 2020

Princess Anne opens Ulster University’s new Spatial Computing and Neurotechnology Innovation Hub

17 January 2020

Ulster University researchers secure grant to investigate innovative Microbubble technology as prostate cancer treatment

4 November 2019

We'll be announcing the finalists for the 2020 #excellenceawards all this week, so check back and stay tuned to fin… https://t.co/r6THcSFsQz

Aged 16-25? – We want to hear your views on #SocialDistancing Researchers from @QUBelfast and @UlsterUniPsych are… https://t.co/zKlezy9IhK

Ulster University's Dr @Mark_MatthewsNZ will host a webinar exploring Patellofemoral Pain, more commonly known as r… https://t.co/Nc6GsEKj28

#excellenceawards 2020 final is moving online. Don’t forget to tune in at https://t.co/VkWL89mjgg, 6pm on 27th Augu… https://t.co/aI4OMjy1qz

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Research is...

Research is

Getting closer to the truth, asking the right question, problem solving.

Impact for REF

Impact has been considered a beneficial addition to the REF and will be part of the REF2021 assessment.

Key Dates

Key dates for REF

HEFCE Archive

Higher Education Funding Council for England archive.

Webinars by HEFCE

View the latest REF webinars

Contact us

Contact the REF team

FAQs