UKCGE Statement on Pausing REF2029
The UK Council for Graduate Education welcomes the short pause in REF2029 as an opportunity to simplify and streamline the process, reduce burden, and ensure alignment with government objectives.
“Doctoral education in the UK sits at the intersection of research and skills, making it central to national ambitions for innovation, inclusive growth, and stronger partnerships between universities, industry, and civic society, as outlined in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
We take this moment to underline the value and centrality of the UK doctorate to the strength of the research base and to the assessment of it.
As the collective voice for postgraduate education in the UK, we will continue to engage with members, funding bodies, policymakers and other stakeholders, to ensure that the perspectives of the postgraduate community are heard in discussions about the future shape of research assessment. Our priority remains to support high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable doctoral education and to safeguard the contribution of postgraduate researchers to the UK’s research and innovation landscape.”
Dr Rebekah Smith McGloin, Chair, UK Council for Graduate Education