Research Assessment Exercise
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is part of the UGC's commitment to promote world-class research and drive excellence in the UGC-funded universities through a comprehensive peer review on the research quality of UGC-funded universities using international benchmarks. The exercise informs the universities on the areas of their relative strength and make recommendations for further improvements. The UGC has conducted six RAEs since 1993.
In addition to research outputs, assessment elements in research impact and research environment have been introduced since RAE 2020 to encourage research of broader social relevance with economic and social benefits, and take into account universities' strategy, resources and infrastructure, etc. in respect of research support.
By applying the three assessment elements of outputs, impact and environment in evaluating the research performance of different academic disciplines at the universities through "units of assessment" (i.e. not measuring the performance of individual staff), RAE provides guidance for the universities in their pursuit of research excellence.
The impact element tracks the universities' record in transferring their research to innovative solutions and bringing substantial changes to people's lives. It enhances public understanding on the beneficial impact of the research conducted by our universities to the wider society.
The environment element demonstrates the universities' strength in research strategies, resources, infrastructure, collaboration within and beyond the academia, reputation and recognition from outside bodies in relation to research. It helps promote the universities in the international academia and enhance international recognition on the research excellence of Hong Kong, which will be conducive to attracting talents from all over the world.
The UGC has established a Research Assessment Exercise Group (RAEG) under the Research Group to advise on and oversee the planning and implementation of RAE 2026.
For further information about the RAE, please visit the webpage(s) below.