Unit of Assessment Leads wanted for REF 2021 submission

Thursday, 08 February 2018

Don’t forget that we are looking to appoint 22 Unit of Assessment Leads to help ensure our submission to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) is as strong as possible. Applications must be submitted no later than 20 February 2018. 

During 2017, the UK funding bodies published their initial decisions on the second Research Excellence Framework: the REF 2021. The University has been working through the year to establish the principles under which plans for our submission will be developed.

A REF Planning Group has been established to oversee the University preparations. The REF Planning Group will devise and recommend to the University Executive Board the REF 2021 submission that is judged to maximize the reputation, achievement and quality-related income of the University.

We are looking to appoint Unit of Assessment (UOA) Leads to work with the REF Planning Group in these preparations. Unit of Assessment Leads are leadership roles, key to ensure that each Unit of Assessment and the University as a whole make the strongest submission possible.

UOA Leads will make recommendations to the REF Planning Group on the shape of each individual UOA submission (staff, outputs, impact case studies and environment). Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation on tasks related to the role, UOA Leads will be supported by the REF & Research Planning Manager, the Research Intelligence Unit, Research Deans and other professional services as relevant.

We are seeking to recruit 22 UOA Leads for assessment areas we intend to make a submission. UOA Leads will commence their role on 1 May 2018 and are expected to continue in the role until submission (December 2020).

Applications should be submitted no later than 20 February 2018.

Please see the Recruitment of Unit of Assessment Leads online guide for full details of the role and guidance on how to apply (University log-in required).