REF2021 Main Panel D Overview Reports

[This is a legacy post from July 4th 2022, ported across from the old website for continuity]

REF2021 have published the overview reports from the main panels, including Main Panel D which covers most if not all of (artistic) practice research submitted to REF2021. The panel overviews are divided up by subpanels, all of which have interesting points to make about practice research, and some useful lessons to learn still. Additionally, there are interesting subsections on interdisciplinarity, and on multi-component outputs (formerly ‘portfolios’).

Reports are here – https://archive.ref.ac.uk/media/1913/mp-d-overview-report-final-updated-september-2022.pdf

And here are some choice highlights.

• Practice research submissions were significantly improved in terms of detailing the research dimensions of the submitted outputs. (p. 24)

• Outputs were supported by a precise 300wd statement that articulated the research context, methods and methodology, insights and dissemination. Outputs were often further supported by additional contextual information. (p. 24)

• The strongest practice research outputs were characterised by precision, depth and brevity in presenting the research dimensions of the work (p. 24)

• Weaker submissions did not always sufficiently identify or articulate a research dimension in the materials submitted, with limitations in critical depth, rigorous process or research contextualisation. (p. 24)

• In weaker submissions, it was unclear what the output comprised of and what elements were to be assessed […] or conflated research and professional practice. (p. 166)