There are now periodic assessments of our research in Britain, the latest having been called REF, and I wonder whether they are having an influence on the research we carry out, and, if so, whether it's positive or negative. In REF we were required to submit four papers for evaluation (if we were submitted), and in my institution there is much pressure to ensure that we have four suitable papers. It seems to me that this must affect the type of problems we investigate and how we package our research. It may be that overall it encourages an enhancement in quality, but it may also be discouraging long term projects. What do others think?

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