The research excellence framework and the impact agenda: are we creating a Frankenstein monster?

Martin, Ben (2011) The research excellence framework and the impact agenda: are we creating a Frankenstein monster? Research Evaluation, 20 (3). pp. 247-254. ISSN 0958-2029

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Abstract

In pursuit of public accountability, the mechanisms for assessing research performance have become more complicated and burdensome. In the United Kingdom, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) evolved from an initially simple framework to something much more complex and onerous. As the RAE now gives way to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 'impact assessment' is being added to the process. Impact comes in numerous forms, however, so its assessment is far from straightforward. While HEFCE is initially proposing a relatively simple methodology, the history of the RAE suggests that this approach will over time become ever more sophisticated. Yet if the 'costs' of an elaborate system for assessing 'research excellence' and its impact then exceed the benefits, the time may have come to re-examine whether a dual-support system still represents the optimum way of funding university research.

Item Type: Article
Schools and Departments: University of Sussex Business School > SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit
Depositing User: Ben Martin
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2012 20:13
Last Modified: 02 Oct 2012 14:51
URI: http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/24790
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