Sector surveys: REF, UKRI and British Academy
There are three live sector surveys that are inviting responses from colleagues in our field.
The MeCCSA Executive Committee does engage with calls like these as an Association, though submissions are invited from individuals and institutions more broadly too.
Additional details for each call are in the survey links.
REF
Sector survey on final policy developments
This short survey is intended to test the clarity, robustness and implementation of a small number of proposals that have emerged through the criteria-setting process. Feedback will inform the final guidance and criteria, and support publication in autumn 2026, as scheduled. The survey is not a formal consultation and does not seek wider input on the existing published REF 2029 guidance.
The survey topics cover:
- draft assessment criteria for Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)
- SPRE arrangements for institutions submitting to a single Unit of Assessment (UoA)
- submitting outputs to more than one Unit of Assessment
- equality-related unit reductions
- collection of research income data
- 100-word statements for submissions to UoA 12 – Engineering
Survey call: https://2029.ref.ac.uk/news/ref-2029-launches-sector-survey-on-final-policy-developments/
Deadline: 16:00 on Friday 4 September 2026
UKRI
National AI in Research Survey
This survey aims to provide robust data on how AI is being used in research across the UK. It explores patterns and practices of AI use; enablers and barriers faced by researchers; and wider attitudes towards the impact of AI in research. Researchers across all disciplines and career stages are encouraged to take part, including those who use AI extensively, occasionally, or not at all.
Survey link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NationalAIinResearchSurvey-2/
The survey should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.
Deadline: 23:00 on Friday 4 September 2026.
BRITISH ACADEMY
Call for evidence: SHAPE Research Evidence Hub
The British Academy is developing a new evidence base to showcase the value and impact of research across the SHAPE (social sciences, humanities and arts) disciplines. This will inform the creation of the SHAPE Research Evidence Hub: an open access collection of evidence that will provide policymakers, funders, researchers, sector leaders and the wider public with accessible and engaging evidence of how SHAPE research improves lives and helps tackle major societal and economic challenges.
Deadline: Friday 18 September 2026