The Scottish Graduate School of Social Science welcomes the renewed strategic direction for UK Research and Innovation and their commitment to ensuring that research and innovation underpin a thriving knowledge economy. Doctoral education is central to achieving these ambitions and sustaining the health and diversity of this pipeline is essential to Scotland’s and the UK’s long-term prosperity. In responding to UKRI’s strategic direction and the updated REF framework, the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science recognises the opportunities it presents for strengthening the doctoral ecosystem. Increased support for innovation and scale-up activities offers exciting pathways for social science researchers to engage with industry, regional clusters, and public services—enhancing employability and economic impact while aligning doctoral skills with emerging societal needs. The importance of valuing doctoral research beyond commercial metrics, recognising its role in fostering inclusive, democratic, and resilient communities; which will be an important component of the new REF Strategy, People, and Research Environment component.

The Scottish Graduate School of Social Science will continue to champion social science doctoral education as a national asset. We advocate for a balanced approach that protects disciplinary diversity, supports inclusive research cultures, and sustains strong regional ecosystems.

Ian Chapman’s speech at the Innovation for Growth Summit – UKRI

REF 2029 publishes updates and resumes criteria setting following pause – REF 2029