Arts Researchers Face Uncertain Futures Amid REF Changes

Researchers in performing arts could see their careers placed in limbo or even face termination due to upcoming changes in the evaluation of academic research impacts, according to warnings from senior academics. The Research Excellence Framework (REF), which determines the allocation of approximately £2 billion in research funding, is set to conduct its next evaluation in 2029.

Concerns Over Output Portability

Several associations representing dance, music, and drama have expressed concerns that the proposed changes will complicate job searches for researchers. The crux of the issue lies in the planned removal of output portability, meaning research outputs will be assigned to institutions instead of individuals. This change could allow a university to claim the work of a researcher who has since departed, while the researcher would lose the ability to connect their previous work with any new institution.

In a joint letter to REF director Rebecca Fairbairn, these associations argue that this represents a restriction of trade that could hinder sector mobility. They emphasize that new hires without eligible REF outputs will be seen as a suboptimal proposition for employers.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Risk

The associations also warn that these changes could negatively affect universities' commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as the impact will vary based on the type of contracts held by researchers. They are urging REF to reconsider the importance of output portability, allowing both past and current employers to claim a connection to a researcher’s published outputs.

Broader Implications

Similar calls for concern have also been raised by subject associations in English language, literature, and creative writing. Senior leaders from various institutions have echoed worries about the potential disconnect between staff and their outputs, which could lead to new forms of injustice in the academic landscape. The REF's decision to fully sever the link between individual staff and unit submissions has been met with skepticism, especially in a climate of cost-cutting and job insecurity.

The Impact on Early Career Researchers

Stephen Dobson, an associate professor at the University of Leeds, has highlighted that the non-portability of outputs will severely affect early-career researchers who already face precarious job conditions. This policy change could further complicate their employment situations, particularly for those on fixed-term contracts or those forced to seek new opportunities due to institutional changes.

A spokesperson for the REF stated that the REF 2029 policy is being actively developed, with plans for publication by summer at the latest, while acknowledging the sector's concerns and emphasizing the commitment to breaking the link between individual staff members and submitted outputs.