Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029
REF 2029 is founded on three overarching principles: Robustness, Transparency, and Equity and Inclusion. These principles underpin all aspects of the exercise and provide the framework within which institutions develop their submission processes.
Middlesex University's preparation for REF 2029 will be guided by these principles, ensuring that its approach both reflects and supports the quality and diversity of research and researchers across the institution. Robustness will be demonstrated through clear governance structures, evidence-based decision-making, transparent assessment criteria, and comprehensive record-keeping to ensure processes are rigorous, consistent and auditable. Transparency will be promoted through consultation, regular communication, clear documentation of procedures and decisions, opportunities for staff feedback, and open communication of outcomes, while ensuring compliance with data protection requirements. Equity and inclusion will be embedded throughout REF preparations through REF-specific training, Equality Impact Assessments, and ongoing engagement with staff, recognised Trade Unions, and staff diversity networks.
Middlesex University’s REF 2029 Governance
After the publication of REF’s Initial Decisions, preparations for REF 2029 have begun under the guidance of the Provisional REF 2029 Steering Group, in collaboration with the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee (RKEC). The Provisional REF Steering Group served as a custodian of our REF preparations, operating in accordance with the principles, terms and conditions outlined in our REF 2021 Code of Practice, corroborated and aligned with available REF 2029 Guidance.
In October 2025 the University’s RKEC approved the REF 2029 Governance Structures and the Terms of Reference for the REF 2029 Steering Group. The Group holds decision-making power and will be responsible for the strategic leadership, development and implementation of the University’s REF 2029 submission. It is accountable to the University’s Executive Team and the Academic Board, and is supported by a number of advisory panels and groups, including the REF Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) Panel, REF EDI Panel, Faculty REF Committees, and UoA Working Groups. Membership for these panels, groups and committees was finalised in the first half of 2026.
This governance framework ensures that the University has a robust structure through which it can initialise, organise and implement processes for REF 2029.
Middlesex University’s REF Code of Practice
The REF 2029 Code of Practice sets out the procedures and decision-making processes that will be used to identify staff with significant responsibility for research and research independence, allocate eligible staff to Units of Assessment, and select research outputs for inclusion in the University's REF 2029 submission.
Following approval by the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee on 22 January 2026, a University-wide consultation was undertaken between 28 January and 27 February 2026. Feedback received through all-staff consultation events, engagement with recognised Trade Unions, and the online consultation process was carefully reviewed by the REF Steering Group and, where appropriate, incorporated into the revised Code during March and April 2026. The revised REF Code of Practice was subsequently approved by Academic Board and submitted to Research England on 15 May 2026. Following approval by Research England in August 2026, the final version of the Code is published below.
Download Middlesex University's REF 2029 Code of Practice*
*We're aware this document is not currently accessible and are working to address this.
Frameworks Informing the University’s REF 2029 Approach
The University's approach to REF 2029 is further informed by a range of institutional and sector-wide frameworks that support excellence, integrity and responsible research assessment. These include:
- The University’s Code of Practice for Research
- The University's Open Access Policy
- The University’s Research Publications Policy
- The University's Ethics Policy Framework
- The Concordat to Support Research Integrity
- The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers
- San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
Collectively, these frameworks reinforce our commitment to fostering a positive research culture, supporting researcher development, promoting openness and accessibility in research, and ensuring that research is assessed fairly and on its intrinsic merits.