The modernisation of research evaluation: The case of the UK

The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), first established by the UK Univers ity Grants Committee in 1985 has been an important instrument in the modern isation of higher education in the UK. It is a means of rationalising the s tratification of universities and the concentration of research resources, and of maximising research output. At the same time, while its operation re mains substantially under professional control, it has had profound implica tions for the academic profession. The article explores these through analy sing the workings of the RAE and its consequences for higher education inst itutions, departments and individuals. It suggests that the RAE has trigger ed substantial changes in the management of the research function in univer sities and in the culture of university departments. It has disturbed the w eb of relationship between the individual academic, the discipline, the dep artment and the institution. It has impacted on individual professional ide ntities and concepts of research responsibilities.