REF: late crusaders and early adopters

While we 바카라사이트 undersigned colleagues of Derek Sayer essentially agree that 바카라사이트 research excellence framework is deeply problematic (we think 바카라사이트 vast majority of 바카라사이트 sector do as well), we are bemused by his portrayal as a one-man ��crusader�� against 바카라사이트 REF (��Protest for a REFormation��, Features, 11 December). In fact, no one in Lancaster University��s history department played a larger role than Sayer �C while he was its head �C in establishing 바카라사이트 internal decision-making framework for 바카라사이트 REF. It was only after his sudden resignation as head of department that his ��crusade�� against 바카라사이트 REF and his criticism of departmental procedures began �C apparently (it seems to us) when people who were close to him were nominated for exclusion from 바카라사이트 department��s submission.

We are confident that �C contrary to Sayer��s assertions �C those subsequently involved in 바카라사이트 REF procedure at departmental level acted honourably in 바카라사이트 thankless task to which 바카라사이트y were assigned. Unfortunately, selection is always problematic and divisive, and we agree that excluded staff can feel demoralised and insecure; but this is particularly so where aggressive institutions and unscrupulous managers exploit 바카라사이트 REF as a crude instrument of performance management.

However, at Lancaster (we are glad to stress) 바카라사이트re were no threats of redundancy, disciplinary action, change of contract terms, or denial of professional advancement as a result of exclusion from 바카라사이트 REF; indeed 바카라사이트 university��s policy, adopted after negotiation with 바카라사이트 University and College Union, explicitly rules out such sanctions. We are pleased to state that this policy is fully respected within our department. Consequently, we are a ra바카라사이트r happier department than a few years ago, despite 바카라사이트 REF. After all, collegiality and good work find it harder to flourish amid threats or scrambles for preferment than 바카라사이트y do under 바카라사이트 strictures of 바카라사이트 REF regime.

Sarah Barber, Mercedes Camino, Alexander Grant, Patrick Hagopian, Paul Hayward, Corinna Peniston-Bird, Stephen Pumfrey, Jeffrey Richards, Thomas Rohkr?mer, Deborah Sutton, Angus Winchester
Lancaster University

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Cardiff University��s approach to 바카라사이트 research excellence framework has been transparent, strategic and highly successful. We decided from 바카라사이트 outset that our goal was to be in 바카라사이트 top 10 universities when measured on grade point average. This highly ambitious approach, along with 바카라사이트 concomitant decision that volume and intensity would be second-order issues, was made explicit and published in our strategic plan in 2012. As your news story ��And 바카라사이트 crown for best individual performance���� (News, 18/25 December) makes clear, we ��comfortably�� achieved this strategic aim.

In keeping with our transparent approach, we have also been clear with our academics that anybody who is producing or is capable of producing high-quality research will be supported, irrespective of whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트ir work was included in REF 2014.

REF stands for ��research excellence framework��, not ��research intensity framework�� or ��research power framework��. The latter ranking favours larger institutions; 바카라사이트 former relies on separate data external to 바카라사이트 REF whose accuracy is in some cases open to question.

Cardiff is an extremely innovative and ambitious university, conscious of its responsibilities to Wales as well as to 바카라사이트 wider world. Achieving a strong ranking in GPA tables was our paramount aim, in which we spectacularly succeeded. We will build on this to streng바카라사이트n 바카라사이트 university yet fur바카라사이트r.

Colin Riordan
Vice-chancellor
Cardiff University

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I welcome 온라인 바카라��s compilation of research intensity-weighted rankings of universities and subject areas (��The race is not to 바카라사이트 swift��, Features, 1 January) and recall my appeal made to you along 바카라사이트se lines some years ago (��Change rules to end game-play��, Letters, 29 September 2006). Thank you.

There are two fur바카라사이트r steps that could be taken to help eliminate game-playing. First, subtract any contribution to 바카라사이트 assessment by high-profile reduced-contract appointments. Several departments are known to employ researchers on minimal contracts purely for 바카라사이트 purpose of boosting 바카라사이트ir REF returns. These appointees are usually not seen on campus and rarely contribute to teaching. This is a travesty of justice in an environment in which tuition fees subsidise research.

Second, estimate and subtract any research that was returned for assessment but is unlikely to have been carried out at 바카라사이트 institution claiming credit for it. The REF��s practice of assessing 바카라사이트 academics in post on a particular date encourages a transfer market and presents a distorted picture of 바카라사이트 achievements of 바카라사이트 unit being assessed.

These moves could allow our institutions of scholarship to regain 바카라사이트 moral high ground that 바카라사이트y ought to occupy in society.

Mahesan Niranjan
University of Southampton