REF-AI project
The REF-AI report
Full report
1 December 2025
Access the full report of the REF-AI study.
Summary report
1 December 2025
Access the summary report of the REF-AI study.
Launch event
1 December 2025
Watch the recording of the report launch event.
In the news…
- Universities quietly deploying GenAI to ‘game’ £2bn research funding system
By George Hopkin; December 2025
Source: theFreesheet - Most academics strongly opposed to using AI in REF 2029
By Patrick Jack; December 2025
Source: Times Higher Education - AI is already shaping the REF—the rules need to catch up
By Lawrie Phipps; December 2025
Source: Research Professional News - Scepticism over increased use of AI in research assessment
December 2025
Source: Research Information - UK report finds growing use of AI in evaluating university research quality
By Sadie Harley; December 2025
Source: Phys Org - Generative AI and the REF: closing the gap between policy and practice
By Liam Earney; December 2025
Source: Research Professional News - AI could be used for REF, says Royal Society president
By Frances Jones; September 2025
Source: Research Professional News - Pause for REFlection: Time to review the role of generative AI in REF2029
By Richard Watermeyer, Tom Crick and Lawrie Phipps; September 2025
Source: Higher Education Policy Institute. - Could generative AI improve the REF?
By Caroline Ball, James Loxley, Caroline Clewley, and Lee Clewley; June 2025
Source: Times Higher Education. - Using AI in REF would be ‘fraught with danger’
By Chris Parr; May 2025
Source: Research Professional News.
About the REF-AI project
REF-AI is a national study funded by Research England to explore the current and potential uses of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in institutional preparations for REF2029. Led by Professor Richard Watermeyer (University of Bristol), with Professor Lawrie Phipps (Jisc and University of Chester), Professor Tom Crick (Swansea University and DCMS) and Rodolfo Benites (University of Bristol), the project seeks to understand how emerging generative AI technologies are impacting the preparations for REF2029.
Aims and Objectives
The REF-AI study aims to:
- Investigate existing and emerging applications of GenAI tools in REF-related tasks.
- Assess institutional policies, practices and perceptions of responsible AI use.
- Identify examples of good practice and offer recommendations for ethical and effective GenAI integration into REF processes.
Methodology
The study employs a qualitative, case-based approach comprising:
- In-person focus groups involving academic and professional staff with REF responsibilities across a diverse range of higher education institutions.
- Interviews with senior leadership including Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Research and REF Directors.
- Desk-based analysis of institutional policies on GenAI use for REF.
- A sector-wide online survey.
Key outputs
The REF-AI project will deliver:
- A technical report including guidelines for responsible GenAI use.
- A presentation of findings to Research England and stakeholders.
- Academic and public-facing publications on the implications of GenAI for REF and research governance.
Timeline
- Project Start: May 2025
- Fieldwork: May – August 2025
- Interim Report: July 2025
- Draft Report: October 2025
- Final Report Submission: October 2025
- Stakeholder Presentation: November 2025
- Public Launch: December 2025
Research funding
This research is supported by a grant from Research England. The project is governed by robust ethical protocols, including strict confidentiality and anonymity for all participants.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
- Professor Richard Watermeyer, University of Bristol: richard.watermeyer@bristol.ac.uk
- Professor Lawrie Phipps, Jisc: lawrie.phipps@jisc.ac.uk
Register your interest
If you would like to be kept informed about this project, please register your interest here.