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The review of research assessment, and the consultation on it by the four HE funding bodies, are now available on the web at www.ra-review.ac.uk
The funding bodies have issued the following press release.
Funding bodies consult on the future of research assessment
The four higher education funding bodies today (29 May 2003) begin a four month consultation on the future assessment of research in universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
The consultation is based on a report 'The review of research assessment' by Sir Gareth Roberts, President of Wolfson College, Oxford, on recommendations to replace the current Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) with a new method for assessing the quality of research. His report was commissioned by the four HE funding bodies (Note 1) in June 2002.
The review of research assessment contains 16 recommendations. The views of universities, colleges, research bodies, other interested bodies and individuals are being sought on 10 key recommendations which address the nature of research assessment. The consultation also asks five further questions relating to the issues of principle raised by the report.
The funding bodies have not yet taken a view on the recommendations, but aim to agree a common approach to research assessment after the consultation ends on 30 September 2003. They will each take an independent view on research funding.
The review recommends a UK-wide system of assessment based on a three-track approach. Under the proposals expert peer review would be retained to identify the best research through a Research Quality Assessment (RQA) process.
Alternatively institutions could choose to submit research through a research capacity assessment which uses a lighter touch approach, including strategy and metrics-based analysis. The form of assessment for institutions with the least research would be a matter for the funding bodies.
The review also recommends the abolition of grades in favour of a quality profile.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Philip Walker for HEFCE on 0117 931 7363, e-mail
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Linda Tiller for
HEFCW, on 029 2068 2228, e-mail [log in to unmask]
Samantha Bridgland for SHEFC on 0131 313 6683, e-mail
[log in to unmask]
Gwyn Treharne for
DELNI on 028 90 257790.
Notes for Editors
1. Sir Gareth Roberts was commissioned by the four UK higher education funding bodies (the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland) to report on the future for research assessment in the United Kingdom.
2. The report took account of 420 responses to its invitation to contribute views, and comments made at over 40 meetings held across the UK.
3. Sir Gareth's work was supported by a steering group and assisted by officers based at HEFCE.
4. The report can by accessed from the web-site (www.ra-review.ac.uk) where there is also a response form enabling people to take part in the consultation.