UK Universities Gear Up for REF 2029 with SPRE Submissions

Institutions across the United Kingdom are actively preparing their submissions for the Research Excellence Framework 2029, with particular focus on the new Strategy, People, and Research Environment component. This element, known as SPRE, represents a refined approach to assessing the conditions that support high-quality research.

The REF serves as the primary mechanism through which the four UK higher education funding bodies evaluate research excellence in universities and colleges. Outcomes influence the allocation of quality-related research funding, shaping institutional strategies for years to come.

Understanding the Shift to SPRE

SPRE replaces the previously proposed People, Culture and Environment element. It carries a 20 percent weighting in the overall quality profile for each Unit of Assessment. The remaining weightings stand at 55 percent for Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding and 25 percent for Engagement and Impact.

This adjustment follows extensive sector consultation and lessons from the People, Culture and Environment pilot exercise. The change aims to reduce administrative burden while maintaining emphasis on supportive research environments.

SPRE submissions require both an institution-level statement and unit-level statements. The institution-level statement accounts for 60 percent of the SPRE score, with the unit-level statement contributing the remaining 40 percent. Narratives address context, mission and strategy, people, infrastructure and facilities, and collaboration.

Timeline and Submission Requirements

The assessment period for REF 2029 covers research activity primarily from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2028, with specific data windows extending back to 1 August 2020 for certain elements. Submissions are scheduled for autumn 2028.

Guidance documents, including detailed templates for SPRE statements, are available on the official REF 2029 website. Institutions must demonstrate strategic intent and how policies translate into effective support for researchers and research activities.

Data requirements accompany the narrative statements, focusing on indicators that best evidence excellence with minimal collection effort.

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Institutional Preparations Underway

Universities such as the University of Oxford, University College London, Ulster University, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Bath have established internal structures to coordinate preparations. These include REF project boards, appointed academic leads for each Unit of Assessment, and consultations on codes of practice.

Many institutions are aligning their research strategies with SPRE expectations, reviewing support for staff development, equality and inclusion, and infrastructure investments. Early engagement helps ensure submissions reflect genuine institutional strengths rather than last-minute compilations.

Professional services teams are working closely with academic colleagues to gather evidence and draft statements that avoid unnecessary duplication between institutional and unit levels.

Stakeholder Perspectives on the Changes

Representatives from organisations including Universities UK and the Russell Group have welcomed the refined weightings and the pragmatic approach to SPRE. Feedback highlights the value of balancing emphasis across outputs, impact, and environment while addressing concerns about complexity.

Individual researchers and research managers note that the focus on strategy encourages clearer institutional planning. At the same time, they emphasise the importance of ensuring that unit-level statements capture disciplinary nuances effectively.

The REF 2029 Secretariat has published blogs sharing practical insights from institutions already drafting SPRE content, underscoring a collaborative spirit in the run-up to full submissions.

Implications for Research Culture and Staff

SPRE places renewed attention on how institutions support people through career development, wellbeing initiatives, and inclusive practices. This aligns with broader sector priorities around sustainable research careers.

Units of Assessment will need to evidence how strategies at both institutional and local levels foster environments where diverse researchers can thrive and produce excellent work.

Early indications suggest that successful submissions will integrate evidence of open research practices, collaboration, and resilience alongside traditional metrics of research activity.

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Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the pause and subsequent updates provided clarity, institutions continue to navigate the balance between demonstrating excellence and managing workload. The reduced weighting for SPRE offers some relief, yet the dual-level assessment structure requires careful coordination.

Opportunities exist for universities to use the exercise as a catalyst for genuine improvements in research support rather than viewing it solely as a compliance exercise.

Continued dialogue between the funding bodies, panels, and the sector will be essential as criteria-setting panels begin their work in 2026.

Future Outlook for UK Research Assessment

REF 2029 is expected to reinforce the United Kingdom's position as a global leader in research quality. By emphasising strategy and environment alongside outputs and impact, the framework supports long-term sustainability in higher education research.

Institutions that invest thoughtfully in their people and infrastructure now stand to benefit from stronger submissions and, ultimately, enhanced funding outcomes.

The exercise also provides a valuable snapshot of research conditions across the UK, informing national policy on research and innovation for the years ahead.