REF is failing to promote diversity of thought, says vice-chancellor

Vice-chancellor says REF and TEF exercises could be limiting diversity of views

The next Research Excellence Framework should require universities to prove they promote diverse thinking, the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading has told a discussion on freedom of speech.

Speaking at a seminar on academic freedom arranged by the Higher Education Policy Institute and AdvanceHE, Robert Van de Noort said: “Maybe UK Research and Innovation’s plan for assessing research culture in the 2029 REF, which are very welcome, could also include the requirement for evidence of diversity of view, and that REF panels themselves reflect the full breadth of academic work, not just dominant ways of thinking.”