Helena Mills will take up the role of Interim REF Director from April 2026.
Helena has held senior responsibilities within Research England’s funding policy and delivery, including oversight of strategic institutional research funding, the Transparency Programme, and the Expanding Excellence in England Fund. Helena previously held the role of Head of Policy in REF 2021 and has wider experience of research assessment gained through work on related policy areas since.
Kim Hackett, Member of the REF Steering Group and Research England Director of Insight and Engagement said:
“I am delighted to welcome Helena to the role of Interim REF Director. Her detailed understanding of the REF and her proven leadership across major areas of Research England’s work mean she is exceptionally well placed to lead the programme at this important moment. I look forward to working with her again as we take this work forward.”
Helena Mills, Interim REF Director, said:
“I am pleased to take on the role of Interim Director for REF 2029. Thanks to Rebecca Fairbairn, who steps away at the end of April, the REF 2029 programme has moved from setup into a mature, well-established phase, with a fully recruited team, Secretariat, and expert panels all in place.
“I look forward to working closely with these colleagues, the funding bodies and the sector through criteria phase as we continue to deliver a robust and collaborative exercise.”
- Research England manages the REF on behalf of all four UK higher education funding bodies: Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland; Medr, Wales’ Commission for Tertiary Education and Research; Research England; and the Scottish Funding Council.
- As previously announced, Kim Hackett will provide overall strategic leadership to the programme from April, and Catriona Firth, Associate Director, Research Environment for Research England, will provide leadership on programme delivery, ensuring continuity and stability as REF 2029 progresses into full implementation.
- Plans for the recruitment of a permanent Director are being confirmed. In the meantime, Helena’s appointment provides experienced leadership and stability as the exercise continues to move forward and meet the planned timeline.