Reform of Higher Education Research Assessment and Funding

Please find below NUS’ response to the DfES consultation document: Reform of higher education research assessment and funding (launched on 13 June 2006).

NUS RAE Response October 2006

Government consultation: Reform of Higher Education Research Assessment and Funding - launched on 13 June 2006 - response deadline 13 October 2006

www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations

The Government's consultation paper Reform of Higher Education Research

Assessment and Funding was published and put out to consultation on 13 June 2006. The consultation proposes a metrics-based research assessment and funding system to replace the Research Assessment Exercise after 2008. Five possible models, are proposed and fully detailed at www.hefce.ac.uk/research. These are based wholly or mainly on different types of research income metrics.

www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/1E1/5E/bud06_science_332.pdf

The policy to make increased use of 'metrics' in research assessment and funding was initially set out in the policy statement, Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-14: next steps published on 26 March 2006.

The Government has indicated that it will make a further statement in the 2006 pre-budget report in early December 2006.