Research Excellence Framework (REF) Workshop

10 May 2012

Institute of Education, London

At the 2011 BAICE Annual General Meeting, it was suggested that BAICE members would welcome an opportunity to meet and discuss their work in international and comparative education in relation to the UK higher education REF exercise.  With this in mind, BAICE members are invited to a workshop at the Institute of Education, University of London, room 944, on 10th May at 2:30 – 4:30 to discuss the REF in relation to their own work, and to international education research in their institutions. Two REF panel members have kindly agreed to participate and we expect a fruitful exploration of REF issues generally but in particular, quality of outputs submitted to REF, and the issue of impact, in relation to international and comparative education.

At the meeting to which you are warmly invited we will discuss a number of questions with two leading members of the REF Education panel, such as:

* How significant is the REF for BAICE and international and comparative research in education?

* REF is giving importance to the impact of research. What are the implications for current and future research and bids for funding?

* How are different universities, particularly those with strong international and comparative research, managing REF?

* what are the important issues and ways forward with regard to early career researchers, mentoring for REF outputs, the role of journals etc?

The meeting agenda will be as follows:

First: a discussion of the key issues concerning BAICE members regarding the REF

Second: an overview from Andrew Pollard (REF Education Panel leader) and Joe Elliot (panel member nominated by BAICE) on the REF and international research

Third: case studies of university preparation for the REF Fourth (and primarily): a round table discussion of issues concerning BAICE members, with opportunities for input from the panel members.

The meeting will be informal, informative and we hope enjoyable.

There will be no charge for the event, but all participants must be members of BAICE.  This is an excellent opportunity and we hope you can participate.

Prof David Stephens
REF UoA Leader (Education)
University of Brighton

Michele Schweisfurth
Chair of BAICE