The University is preparing for our REF 2021 submission and eligible academic staff are each required to submit an average of 2.5 research outputs.

There are, however, a number of personal circumstances, such as maternity leave, parental leave and early career researchers whose roles recently commenced, that Research England recognises may result in a reduction in time available for research during the REF period, which runs from 2014 to 2020.

Please note that under REF 2021 it is the responsibility of the eligible staff member to voluntarily apply for a reduction in research outputs.

The University has developed a process to support employees to voluntarily declare relevant personal circumstances and the impact these circumstances have had on the volume of outputs they have produced within the REF period.

Employees are encouraged to apply for a reduction of outputs based on the criteria as outlined in the University’s REF Code of Practice.

Please also see our REF 2021 workspace page and REF 2021 guidance for submission 2019/01 for further information.

If you believe your circumstances meet any of the criteria for reductions, please complete the Declaration of Individual Staff Circumstances online form by 31 July 2019.

Soma, Mukherjee, REF and Research Policy Manager, said: “We recognise that circumstances may change after this date, if this is the case, please contact your HR Business Partner or the Head of HR Business Partnering.”

If you have any questions, please contact your HR Business Partner or email: BR-personalcirc-REF@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.