This field records the early career researcher status of the staff members contract

Compulsory for all staff in HEPs intending to participate in REF2021, who have an active contract on the REF census date of 2020-07-31 which meets the definition of Category A eligibility: (Contract.TERMS = 1 or 2) and ((Contract.ACEMPFUN = 2 and Contract.RESAST is not 1) or (Contract.ACEMPFUN = 3)). This field should be completed for staff when Contract.SIGRES is coded 1 and 2.

Contract.ECRSTAT is only applicable to staff who have an active contract on 2020-07-31. Any staff who left the HEP prior to or joined after this date should not be returned.

Early career researchers (ECRs) are defined in the Guidance on submissions, paragraphs 146 to 149.

Frequently asked questions that relate to the REF 2021 and policy matters can be found here. Any queries that relate to the REF should be addressed to [email protected], which will be monitored by Research England.