The website is designed to make it quick and convenient to upload reports but also to require enough detail to make the report credible and responsible.The site also provides a discussion forum for each posting, allowing users to discuss the report (potentially allowing collective brainstorming about possible moderator variables, defects in the original study or in the non-replication attempt, etc.)
Publication is a central means by which scholars establish their reputation. In consequence, how publications are vetted has significant impact on academic careers.
During 2008-09, HEFCE conducted a pilot exercise to test and develop bibliometric indicators of research quality for use in the REF. Twenty two UK higher education institutions took part, covering 35 units of assessment from the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.