Initial proposals to reform research assessment and funding

In March 2006 the Government first announced its intention to replace the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) after 2008 with an assessment system based on metrics.

A working group developed a consultation 'Reform of higher education research assessment and funding'.

Following the consultation the Government announced in the 2006 pre-Budget Report the development of a revised scheme. A letter from the Secretary of State and a press release by the then Department for Education and Skills gave further details.

HEFCE set out its initial plans for the development of the new system in 'Future framework for research assessment and funding' (HEFCE Circular letter 06/2007).