UCU: Research Excellence Framework and the 'impact' agenda

Motion

Motion text: Conference notes the:
publication of the Research Excellence Framework by HEFCE in September;
failure of the funding council to equality proof research assessment;
widespread opposition to the 'impact' element within the REF;
increasing use of 'economic impact' statements by the Research Councils.
Conference believes that the 'economic impact' agenda:
undermines basic research and fails to acknowledge that impact is often unpredictable;
risks the further commercialisation of research and consequent damage to academic freedom
increases the bureaucratic nature of the assessment process.
Conference believes that universities must be spaces in which the spirit of adventure thrives and where researchers enjoy academic freedom to push back the boundaries of knowledge in their disciplines.
Conference, therefore, calls on HEFCE to:
withdraw their current impact proposals;
work with academics and their representatives on creating a funding regime which supports and fosters high quality research.