Impact in the Arts and Humanities

Alix Brodie-Wray gives a concise update on the REF 2029 announcement and what it means for arts and humanities impact submissions. She outlines key changes: removal of the unit-level engagement and impact statement, stricter templates and evidence limits, clear timeframes for underpinning research, and the requirement that underpinning research be made available to panels. The episode also flags implications for practice-based and diverse outputs, suggests preparing digital access or narrative context for non-CKU outputs, and notes the expected panel-level guidance in 2026. Practical tips are offered for case study authors and contributors as the sector adapts to the new rules.

This academic year and for the first time, we're creating a community of academics across our Arts, Humanities and Cultures Faculty who are working on REF Impact Case Studies for 2025/26. This is a podcast version of our welcome session - it's an overview of our approach and a discussion of previous experiences from a 2021 case study author. Join us as we navigate our way through the 'messy middle' of REF preparation! Featuring myself, Prof Matthew Treherne and Dr Matt Woodcock Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the University of Leeds.