In REF2029 the impact element from REF2021 will be expanded to an Engagement and Impact (E&I) element which will have a 25% weighting. It will be similar to the impact element of REF2014 and will consist of impact case studies and an accompanying disciplinary level evidence statement on E&I. Engagement and Impact Policy will be published in summer 2025.
This E&I element will include assessment of impact case studies and a structured explanatory statement which sets out the wider contribution research activities to society and the economy. The structured statement will make up at least 20% of the quality sub-profile for this assessment element.
Initial decisions therefore include:
- A reduction in the minimum number of case studies needed for a submission.
- Removal of the 2* quality threshold for outputs.
- Reintroduction of an impact narrative at the unit level
- New criteria around the rigour of engagement.
In the REF initial decisions document, June 2023, the four UK funding bodies outlined proposals to reduce the minimum requirement to one impact case study for units with fewer than 9.99 FTE and to revise the boundaries.
The proposed number of Impact Case studies required in REF 2029 are outlined below however this is subject to change in Summer 2025 when Engagement and Impact Policy Expert panels meet to begin development of the guidance.
FTE of volume-contributing staff |
Required number of case studies |
Weighting of impact statement |
FTE of volume-contributing staff |
Required number of case studies |
Weighting of impact statement |
Up to 9.99 |
1 |
50% |
60 to 89.99 |
5 |
20% |
10 to 19.99 |
2 |
33.33% |
90 to 119.99 |
6 |
20% |
20 to 39.99 |
3 |
25% |
120 to 169.99 |
7 |
20% |
40 to 59.99 |
4 |
20% |
170 or more |
8, plus one further case study per additional 50 FTE |
20% |