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    The Research Excellence Framework (REF) in the UK: processes, consequences and incentives to engage

    Torrance, Harry ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6802-4322 (2019) The Research Excellence Framework (REF) in the UK: processes, consequences and incentives to engage. Qualitative Inquiry, 26 (7). pp. 771-779. ISSN 1077-8004

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    Abstract

    Governments around the world have introduced various forms of research evaluation and accountability systems. These developments have been widely interpreted as evidence of the incursion of neoliberal discipline and governance into university procedures and management. This article reflects on the example of the U.K. Research Excellence Framework (REF). The article reviews the development and current operation of the REF, particularly in the field of Education; reflects on some of the issues it raises including intended and unintended consequences; and identifies why it has been so insidiously successful in colonizing U.K. academic life. The article is significant for linking critiques of neoliberalism with the lived realities of managing the REF.

    Item Type: Article
    Peer-reviewed: Yes
    Date Deposited: 17 Jul 2019 08:32
    Publisher: SAGE Publications
    Additional Information: This is an Author Accepted Manuscript of an article in Qualitative Inquiry published by SAGE.
    Divisions: Faculties > Health and Education
    Research Centres > Education and Social Research Institute
    Subject terms: Social Sciences, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Social Sciences - Other Topics, research evaluation, Research Excellence Framework, neoliberalism, performativity, HIGHER-EDUCATION, Social Sciences Methods, 1301 Education Systems, 1303 Specialist Studies in Education, 1608 Sociology
    URI: https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/623490
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800419878748
    ISSN 1077-8004

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