Oh no, it isn’t!

The REF delay buys time—but be wary of taking too much

News that the next Research Excellence Framework will now take the stage a year later than planned is, for most in the sector, a welcome curtain call to 2023. 

The run-up to the festive break has a long history of tricky public sector announcements being dished out amid the warm wine and turkey sandwiches. The latest, that the four funding bodies behind the huge research assessment exercise will allow more time to explore and implement reforms ahead of its next rollout is, at least, one that has spurred far more cheers than boos.