Session 3.2 - REF SIG
| Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Hall D |
Overview
What could research assessment look like in 2035 and how might we begin shaping it now?
This question will be explored through an interactive policy hackathon focused on the future of the REF. Working in small groups, participants will design a mini-framework for assessing research quality post-REF 2029, balancing fairness and alignment with emerging principles of responsible research assessment against what is realistically achievable within government strategy, funding priorities and institutional capacity.
Groups will explore practical constraints including resource pressures, implementation realities, political considerations and the pace of change, weighing ambition against deliverability and innovation against the need for stability, transparency and public trust.
Each group will pitch its model to a panel of representatives from the UK Funding Bodies, who will provide real-time feedback on feasibility, policy alignment and potential to inform future REF direction, including interaction with national research strategy, funding mechanisms and assurance requirements.
Grounded in current debates on research evaluation, REF reform and wider system pressures, the session offers a rare opportunity to move beyond critique and actively prototype future approaches. Participants will gain insight into how research assessment policy is shaped in practice and contribute creative yet credible ideas to the evolving national conversation.
Speaker
Ms Shelly Anne Stringer
Research Evaluation Manager
University of Oxford
Policy Hackathon: Shaping the Next REF
Session Description
What could research assessment look like in 2035 and how might we begin shaping it now?
This question will be explored through an interactive policy hackathon focused on the future of the REF. Working in small groups, participants will design a mini-framework for assessing research quality post-REF 2029, balancing fairness and alignment with emerging principles of responsible research assessment against what is realistically achievable within government strategy, funding priorities and institutional capacity.
Groups will explore practical constraints including resource pressures, implementation realities, political considerations and the pace of change, weighing ambition against deliverability and innovation against the need for stability, transparency and public trust.
Each group will pitch its model to a panel of representatives from the UK Funding Bodies, who will provide real-time feedback on feasibility, policy alignment and potential to inform future REF direction, including interaction with national research strategy, funding mechanisms and assurance requirements.
Grounded in current debates on research evaluation, REF reform and wider system pressures, the session offers a rare opportunity to move beyond critique and actively prototype future approaches. Participants will gain insight into how research assessment policy is shaped in practice and contribute creative yet credible ideas to the evolving national conversation.
This question will be explored through an interactive policy hackathon focused on the future of the REF. Working in small groups, participants will design a mini-framework for assessing research quality post-REF 2029, balancing fairness and alignment with emerging principles of responsible research assessment against what is realistically achievable within government strategy, funding priorities and institutional capacity.
Groups will explore practical constraints including resource pressures, implementation realities, political considerations and the pace of change, weighing ambition against deliverability and innovation against the need for stability, transparency and public trust.
Each group will pitch its model to a panel of representatives from the UK Funding Bodies, who will provide real-time feedback on feasibility, policy alignment and potential to inform future REF direction, including interaction with national research strategy, funding mechanisms and assurance requirements.
Grounded in current debates on research evaluation, REF reform and wider system pressures, the session offers a rare opportunity to move beyond critique and actively prototype future approaches. Participants will gain insight into how research assessment policy is shaped in practice and contribute creative yet credible ideas to the evolving national conversation.
Biography
Shelly Anne Stringer is a research support professional with 20 years’ experience. She began at Bournemouth University, leading initiatives to strengthen research culture and managing institutional preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). In 2024, she joined the University of Oxford as Research Evaluation Manager in the Medical Sciences Division. Shelly served as Panel Secretary for Chemistry and Mathematical Sciences in REF 2021 and is a Main Panel A Advisor for REF 2029. She also contributed to the Social Work and Social Policy PCE pilot panel, bringing extensive expertise in research evaluation and strategic planning.
Dr Tim Brooks
Assistant Director (research Excellence & Enhancement)
Anglia Ruskin University
Co-presenter: Policy Hackathon: Shaping the Next REF
Biography
Dr. Tim Brooks is Assistant Director (Research Excellence & Enhancement) at Anglia Ruskin University. With more than twenty years’ experience of research management and administration, Tim cut his professional teeth working on the 2008 RAE at the University of East London, before moving to ARU where he led on institutional submissions to REF2014 and REF2021. Despite his remit being broadened to extend into a range of research support functions at different times (he now leads a team with responsibilities extending into researcher development, research systems, and beyond) he keeps being drawn back into all things REF as institutional lead for REF2029. He was also a member of the History PCE pilot panel.
Mr Chris Browne
Head of Research Strategy and Policy
Queen's University Belfast
Co-presenter: Policy Hackathon: Shaping the Next REF
Biography
Chris Browne is Head of Research Strategy & Engagement at Queen’s University Belfast. As part of his remit, he acts as institutional REF Manager, a role he also carried out for REF 2021. Chris has extensive experience in research strategy and policy, and heads up a team with responsibility for research culture, research quality and assessment, impact and engagement, research information and systems, internal/external research policy, and postdoctoral researcher support.
Dr Helen Young
Director of Research Excellence
University of Bristol
Co-presenter: Policy Hackathon: Shaping the Next REF
Biography
Helen Young is Associate Director of Research Excellence at the University of Bristol and Professional Services lead for REF 2029. She co-champions ARMA’s REF Special Interest Group and contributes to national work on research assessment through her involvement with the UK CoARA National Chapter, focused on advancing fair, credible and responsible approaches to research assessment and recognition of diverse research contributions.
