Engagement and Impact
In REF2029 the impact element from REF2021 will be expanded to an Engagement and Impact (E&I) element which will have a 25% weighting.
This E&I element focuses on the assessment of impact case studies. Strategies, support, structures and cultures that encourage and enable impact generation will be assessed as part of the strategy, people, and research environment (SPRE) statements.
Key Changes in REF2029:
- Removal of the 2* quality threshold for outputs.
- A reduction in the minimum number of case studies needed for a submission.
- Opportunity for recognition of diverse contributors
- Encouragement to discuss engagement strategies and responsible practices
A dedicated REF Impact SharePoint site has been created for UoA ICS authors, giving you access to useful templates, guides, blogs and examples of 4* REF2021 ICS.
The proposed number of Impact Case studies required in REF 2029 are outlined below
FTE of volume-contributing staff |
Required number of case studies |
FTE of volume-contributing staff |
Required number of case studies |
Up to 9.99 |
1 or 2 |
60 to 89.99 |
5 |
10 to 19.99 |
2 |
90 to 119.99 |
6 |
20 to 39.99 |
3 |
120 to 169.99 |
7 |
40 to 59.99 |
4 |
170 or more |
8, plus one further case study per additional 50 FTE |