REF team still ‘very committed’ to people and culture plans

Jessica Corner acknowledges debate over proposals, but insists reforms are on track for 2029

The executive chair of Research England has said that the UK’s funding bodies are “very committed” to Research Excellence Framework reforms, which aim to place greater emphasis on research environments and culture.

Proposals published during the summer suggested that an expanded people, culture and environment section would account for 25 per cent of each university’s score in the next REF. However, last month, Jessica Corner said this was to come under review.