Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been appointed to the subject panels for all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs). Today's announcement brings the total Newcastle University panel members to 13, following an earlier appointment to the REF Research Diversity Advisory Panel. The majority of those appointed today are for the criteria-setting phase of the REF, which means that colleagues from Newcastle University will be playing vital roles in setting the guidance for submissions in Units of Assessment, as well as providing rigorous and trusted assessment of research after the submission date.  

From medicine, health and life sciences to the social sciences, and physical sciences, engineering and mathematics to the arts and humanities, the calibre of applicants was outstanding, underlining the enormous strength of UK research. Each panel member will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research.

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021. The next exercise is planned for 2029.

The panel appointments reflect both the strength and diversity of the UK research community, including professional services staff, technicians, librarians, and others whose expertise underpins research excellence. 

There is strong representation from beyond academia, including over two dozen panellists from industry, policy, and third sector organisations. Several People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panellists have been selected who will be able to build on the valuable lessons from the pilot. Some panel chairs have also appointed members to serve across multiple Units of Assessment, supporting consistency and effective handling of interdisciplinarity, in addition to the work of the REF 2029 Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP).

World-leading work

Professor Matthew Grenby, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Newcastle University, said: “I’m delighted to see that so many Newcastle University colleagues have now been appointed to serve on REF 2029 panels. The REF assesses the quality of research and determines future research funding, but it also drives improvements in the way we do research and promotes the world-leading work we do in our universities. None of these things could happen without the work of the people who sit on the REF panels.”

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.

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. As in REF 2021, some assessment-phase panel members have been appointed early, where sub-panel chairs identified clear need and relevant expertise within the candidate pool.

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.”

Press release adapted with thanks from REF.