The REF team are busy working to launch the recruitment process for REF 2029 main and sub-panels in December. This marks an important milestone in the development of the exercise. The REF panels will be composed of leading experts in their respective disciplines and play a crucial role in the REF. The panels are responsible for assessing the quality of research submissions against the established criteria. Their assessments helps to:
- Inform the allocation of block-grant research funding to HEIs based on research quality
- Provide accountability for public investment in research and produce evidence of the benefits of this investment
- Provide insights into the health of research in HEIs in the UK
For REF 2029, the panel recruitment process is moving to open applications, where anyone can submit their own application rather than being nominated by a sector body. By adopting this approach, we are aiming to enhance transparency, broaden the pool of potential applicants, and ensure that the panels reflect the diversity of expertise within each discipline.
Call for diverse expertise
We are seeking applications from individuals with a wide range of expertise and experience, including those from underrepresented groups, diverse research backgrounds and practices, or individuals outside of academia who engage with research. This includes: