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In REF 2029 the environment element from REF2021 will be expanded to include research culture and has been renamed ‘People, Culture and Environment’ (PCE). Its weighting has been adjusted to 25% of the overall quality profile. This element will be assessed using a questionnaire-style template at both institution and disciplinary level.
A series of workshops, consultations and sector discussions on PCE took place between January and October 2024 and a PCE pilot exercise was carried out across 40 UK institutions to test the process for assessment in REF 2029.
Ulster University participated in the PCE pilot exercise which involved drafting PCE submissions for assessment by pilot panels in the following Units of Assessment (UoAs):
- Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11)
- Social Work and Social Policy (UoA 20)
- History (UoA 28)
- Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies (UoA 33)
The REF team will reflect on the outcomes of the PCE pilot during 2025 and the criteria and definitions for the PCE element are expected to be published in Winter 2025.
