The Research Excellence Framework has renamed one of its 34 sub-panels to ensure midwifery is explicitly recognised within its assessment structure ahead of REF 2029.
Sub-panel 3, previously titled “Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy”, will now be known as “Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Midwifery, Nursing and Pharmacy”.
The change follows feedback received during the REF 2029 Initial Decisions consultation, in which respondents raised concerns that midwifery research was not clearly represented within the existing unit of assessment structure, despite midwifery academics and practitioners making substantial contributions to health research submitted under this panel in previous REF cycles.
Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone, Chair of Sub-panel 3, said: “The change reflects the significant contribution of midwifery researchers to the health research landscape and responds to feedback that this contribution should be more visible within the REF assessment structure. Midwifery has always been an important part of the work assessed by Sub-panel 3, and the revised title more accurately reflects the disciplines represented within our community. I hope it will encourage institutions to showcase the full breadth and impact of their midwifery research in REF 2029.”
The renaming does not alter the scope of research previously assessed within the sub-panel; midwifery research has always fallen within its remit. The change ensures the sub-panel’s title more accurately reflects the full range of disciplines it assesses.
The name change will be reflected on all REF systems.