The Research Excellence Framework's next chapter

The Research Excellence Framework, often regarded as the formidable arbiter of research prowess, stands as a behemoth in the British educational landscape. Despite its undeniable prominence, it is not impervious to critique. This influential process not only shapes the allocation of university funding but has also ingrained itself in the very fabric of academia, guiding the judgments of aspiring faculty and prospective students seeking to assess a university's allure.

In this episode, we embark on the intricate realm of academic research assessment, casting a light on the machinery of the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Our conversation, enriched by voices from education and industry, examines the next chapter of the REF. As we navigate this exploration, we also introduce innovative solutions that hold promise as potential indicators of success in tertiary education. Among them, we showcase illuminating case studies, such as the Swedish startup ecosystem—a fertile ground that has birthed renowned unicorns like Spotify and Klarna.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of the REF and journey beyond, uncovering the evolution of determining success in tertiary education.