UKRIO responds to REF 2029 update
UKRIO responds to REF 2029 update
A statement from Stephanie Neave, CEO
On 10 December 2025, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 team announced that the exercise would resume, following the pause initiated in September. The announcement also confirmed that updated policies and guidance will be issued in light of the pause.
“UKRIO welcomes the renewed clarity on the shape of REF 2029 and the resumption of the exercise. The REF remains one of the few sector-wide mechanisms capable of encouraging organisations to adopt practices that genuinely improve research outcomes. Its influence matters, particularly at a time when the sector continues to debate how best to balance ambition, accountability, and growth.
It is easy to characterise the systems that safeguard research integrity as bureaucratic or burdensome. But these structures exist for a reason: to ensure that research is accountable, transparent, and fair, and that it is carried out in environments where integrity can take root and thrive. The evidence is clear that these conditions are not peripheral to excellence – they underpin it.
As the sector moves towards REF 2029, UKRIO looks forward to supporting an evidence-led, adaptable approach, informed by the needs and experience of those who will put it into practice. Integrity must remain at the heart of how we define and assess research quality; the REF is a powerful lever in ensuring that it does.”
– Stephanie Neave, Chief Executive Officer, UKRIO
Media enquiries:
Jasper Scott
Communications and Engagement Manager,
UK Research Integrity Office
jasper.scott@ukrio.org