Million Plus

The university think-tank million+ has today (31 March) published its response to Lord Stern’s consultation on his independent review of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), arguing that the assessment of the quality and impact of research should remain the REF’s primary purpose and that the government should maintain its commitment to fund excellent research wherever it is found.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said:

“Research assessment through both the REF and the Research Assessment Exercise that preceded it has been key in identifying the excellent research taking place in every UK university, providing an enormous boost to the reputation of the sector.

“The assessment of the quality and impact of research ought to remain the REF’s primary purpose. Even if no funding decisions were taken based on its outcomes, such an exercise would remain a valuable one to UK higher education.

“However, concerns remain that recent research policy has served to concentrate funding among a smaller number of institutions. This is a trend we would do well to buck. The government should maintain its admirable commitment to funding excellent research wherever it is found, including investing in the translational research adding value to businesses and local economies across the UK every day.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 | 07527 336795 or press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. More information about the Stern Review consultation can be found here
4. Read the full million+ response here