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The four UK higher education funding bodies have announced the appointment of panels for the criteria-setting phase of , which include ��ݮ���� academics. 

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a vital exercise for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The results provide accountability for public investment in research, demonstrate the benefits of this investment and are used to determine how around £2 billion of public funding is allocated.

Each panel member will have a key role in shaping REF 2029 by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research. They have been selected from a range of disciplines, from medicine, health and life sciences to the social sciences, and physical sciences, engineering and mathematics to the arts and humanities.

Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts have been appointed to support the assessment process in each of the 34 areas of research being reviewed – known as Units of Assessment (UoA).

For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates. This approach was shaped through collaboration with sector bodies and the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP), helping to ensure that panels command the trust and confidence of their research communities.

Research at the ��ݮ���� was rated as world-leading in the last national assessment of the quality and impact of research in UK universities, REF 2021.

77 per cent of research submitted by the University was ranked in the highest categories - world-leading and internationally excellent - with wide-ranging impacts on society, health, culture and the environment.

Professor Vikas Kumar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the ��ݮ����, said: “REF provides our government, our funders and, most importantly, the communities we serve with confidence that we are delivering world-class and impactful research. Having ��ݮ���� academics in these key positions reflects the strength and expertise of our research community.

“Their appointments will enable them to shape the assessment criteria and standards that will guide the next national evaluation of research quality. This builds on ��ݮ����'s strong REF 2021 performance and demonstrates our continued commitment to research excellence.”

Further targeted recruitment for additional panel members and assessors will take place at a later date, based on insights from the survey of submission intentions and any identified need to broaden panel experience.

Reflecting on the process, REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “It’s been a privilege to work with the sector bodies and panel chairs on this new, open recruitment approach. I’m grateful for their insight and leadership throughout the process. It’s been inspiring to see the depth, strength, and commitment of the UK’s research community, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming the new panel members to the team.”

You can find the full list of appointed panel members via the on the REF website.