The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a system used in the United Kingdom to assess the quality of research conducted by higher education institutions. It evaluates research outputs, impact, and the environment in which research is conducted, helping to allocate public funding effectively. The REF aims to promote excellence in research and ensure accountability for public investment. Institutions submit their research to be reviewed by panels of experts, who then score the submissions based on predefined criteria. The results influence funding decisions and provide valuable information about the research landscape in the UK, benefiting both academia and society as a whole.