When is the REF2029 census date?

There is no longer a single census date. The REF2029 volume measure is an average FTE over two years: 2025/26 and 2026/27. We will not submit a staff list to REF2029.

 

Will we have to check UoA allocations and FTE of REF-eligible staff every year?

Yes, the volume measure check is an iterative process, where we need to confirm eligibility/independence decisions and UoA allocations every summer.

 

Can we allocate to more than one UoA?

Staff can only be allocated to more than one UoA if they have two separate contracts. 

Outputs can be allocated to more than one UoA if it fits the criteria of more than one subpanel.

Impact case studies can be submitted to UoAs where the underpinning research fits the criteria of the subpanel. The same impacts might be used in impact case studies for more than one UoA, but the impact case studies are normally developed independently. For further information, please contact your Faculty Impact Manager.

 

Are we allocating staff to UoA1?

No.

 

How will we make decisions on where to submit people?

Each eligible contract will be linked to the UoA to which it is principally associated. In the first instance, it will be whichever UoA that aligns with the contract's HESA cost centre.

Where the HESA cost centre and UoA do not align, a rationale should be provided by the REF Lead or the Head of Department.

 

Is REF independence related to the status of a fellowship or the person? What if someone who used to be independent has a contract change?

We expect REF independence to be persistent once attained. 

However, if the contract changes to one which is not REF eligible, then the person will no longer contribute to the volume measure.

Does the same output get the same score in different UoAs? 

No, not necessarily. It is safest to submit to the UoA(s) where you are confident it will be well-received.

 

Pure includes outputs from before colleagues came to York and these outputs are now ineligible for REF. Can we get Pure to report on output eligibility?

Elsevier are looking into this but it's by no means clear how it will work. It may only be available in the REF module. 

At the moment, Pure lists may include ineligible outputs. The PIP team are working together with the Library team to find ways around this.

 

Please can you confirm that as with REF2021, authors and institutions are not expected to incur costs to meet open access compliance?

It should not be necessary to incur publication costs to meet OA requirements. The open access requirements for outputs in REF2029 can be met via a number of different routes, including uploading into the institutional repository. If you are unsure of how to meet the OA requirements, please contact the Open Research team: lib-open-research@york.ac.uk.

Is there certainty on the ICS (impact case study) thresholds?

No, not yet. We hope the impact guidance is coming out in August/September 2025.

 

When will we get the new ICS template?

Hopefully in August/September 2025. We do not expect it to change radically, so please use the REF2021 template in the meantime.

 

Most colleagues developing an ICS ask for time. Is there an initiative to allocate workload?

The responsibility for allocating an appropriate workload to ICS authors lies with the Head of Department or School.

 

Does underpinning research have to be 2*?

No, this requirement has been removed for REF2029.

 

How will engagement be incorporated into the impact element?

Engagement will be assessed through a disciplinary level evidence statement, which is submitted alongside the case studies. We expect further guidance on this in August/September 2025.

 

Can I use an output produced at my previous institution to underpin an ICS?

The underpinning research must be produced by the submitting institution. Impacts from research done solely at a previous institution cannot be included in a case study.