Main and sub-panel recruitment now open
Our main and sub-panels are at the heart of the REF assessment process, and they bring together specialists in each Unit of Assessment (UoA). There are four main panels and 34 sub-panels, which will work collaboratively with the two advisory panels (PDAP and RDAP).
We are now seeking to recruit members to our main and sub-panels for REF 2029. Individuals applying to these roles must have the support of their employing organisation for their appointment, and we welcome applications from diverse groups.
The closing date for sub-panel chair and deputy chair applications is midday 6 February 2025.
Please note that the application form will remain open for all other roles until midday 28 April 2025.
Read further details about what the roles involve and how to apply.
REF town halls and forums
There are a number of upcoming opportunities to hear directly from the REF team.
- These are free and open to all
- There is no need to register, simply click on the link to add it to your calendar
- On the day of the event come back to this page and click on the event link to join
- All town halls will be recorded and shared after the event on our website and via our email list
Town Hall on the REF 2029 Open Access Policy
Tuesday, 28 January 2025, 11am to 12pm
This session will provide an overview of the REF 2029 open access policy from the REF 2029 team.
You can submit questions in advance by the 23 January 2025. We will aim to respond to your question on the day. Your submission is anonymous. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions on the day.
Download the .ics file – Add to my Office365 calendar – Add to my Google calendar – Add to my Outlook.com calendar
Town Hall on the REF 2029 People, Culture and Environment Pilot
Tuesday, 4 February 2025, 11am to 12pm
This session will provide an overview of the REF 2029 People, Culture and Environment Pilot from the REF 2029 team.
You can submit questions in advance by 30 January 2025. We will aim to respond to your question on the day. Your submission is anonymous. There will be the opportunity to ask questions on the day.
Download the .ics file – Add to my Office365 calendar – Add to my Google calendar – Add to my Outlook.com calendar
PCE forums
There’s still plenty to discuss in the development of PCE. After this Town Hall information session we will hold regular drop-in forums where people can share ideas and concerns about the pilot template and guidance and work with us on an approach. These will not be recorded but we will maintain an FAQ based on topics that arise.
- 12 February 1pm to 2pm
- 26 February 1pm to 2pm
On the day please return to this page to find the link to join the forum.
Town Hall on REF 2029 Volume Measure Policy and Codes of Practice
Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 11am to 12pm
This session will provide an overview of the REF 2029 Volume Measure Policy and Codes of Practice from the REF 2029 team.
You can submit questions in advance by 6 February 2025. We will aim to respond to your question on the day. Your submission is anonymous. There will be the opportunity to ask questions on the day.
Download the .ics file – Add to my Office365 calendar – Add to my Google calendar – Add to my Outlook.com calendar
REF 2029 systems user participation
For the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 we want to put users at the heart of our system design. To involve users through all stages of system design, development and testing, we need your help. If you would be interested in joining our database of REF users please look at the opportunities.