Chris/Karel
I am delighted/relieved to report that I am already “REF returnable” so the pressures of the REF do not apply and the book is more of a personal mission.
For those members not familiar with the UK’s 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), this replaces the Research Assessment Exercise that last took place in 2008. The REF is:
“a single framework for assessment across all disciplines, with a common set of data required in all submissions, standard definitions and procedures, and assessment by expert panels against broad generic criteria. Expert panels will apply standards of assessment consistently, working under the guidance of four main panels. Within this single framework, differences in the nature of research across the disciplinary spectrum may justify differences in the detailed approach to assessment. There is flexibility for panels to develop specific aspects of the assessment criteria and to adopt working methods to ensure the assessment is sensitive to these disciplinary differences. Panels will consult with their communities and with institutions in doing so.”
(Report available for download from http://www.ref.ac.uk/pubs/2011-02/)
The REF should not really be delaying the publication of research outputs, although academics may be a little more selective about where they publish. In fact, the REF is probably bringing publication forward as academics strive to ensure that that are returnable by the deadline and that their publications are as close to 4* as possible (i.e. world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour).
There is a limit to how long I am prepared to spend touting the book to publishers and really appreciate Chris’ comments about the benefits of a website.
Thanks
Mark
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