Panels

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a process of expert review, and institutions will be invited to make submissions into units of assessment (UoAs). The submissions are assessed by an expert sub-panel for each UoA, working under the guidance of four main panels. 

The assessment panels will be supported by advisory panels who will provide expert guidance in their respective areas.  

The four UK funding bodies will appoint the members of the REF panels.  

We’ll update this page with details of the panels and when we’re recruiting.  

Commitment to diversity and inclusion in REF panels

In alignment with the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), we will work with sector bodies, professional associations, and supporting organisations to actively encourage and support applications to REF panels from individuals across diverse backgrounds, career stages, and lived experiences. We recognise the critical role that inclusive representation plays in ensuring the REF assessment process reflects the breadth and vitality of UK research. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion in REF panels.

Main panels

The main panels provide leadership and guidance to a group of sub-panels. They oversee the assessment, ensuring the assessment criteria and standards are consistently applied. They are responsible for signing-off the results recommended by the sub-panels. 

Composition of the main panels

The four main panels are:

• Main Panel A: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences 
  • Chair: Professor Louise Kenny CBE, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool
    
• Main Panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics 
  • Chair: Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research & Knowledge Exchange, University of Nottingham
    
• Main Panel C: Social Sciences 
  • Chair: Professor Jane Falkingham, VP Engagement and International, University of Southampton
    
• Main Panel D: Arts and Humanities 
  • Chair: Professor Greg Walker, Regius Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature, University of Edinburgh

Each main panel is made up of:

• the chair
• the deputy chair
• the chairs of each sub-panel under its remit
• additional members (including individuals with interdisciplinary expertise, with international expertise, and with expertise in the use, application, and wider benefits of research)

You can now apply to join the main panels. Read further details about what the roles involve and how to apply.

Sub-panels

REF 2029 will comprise 34 sub-panels. Each group of sub-panels is overseen by a main panel, ensuring a cohesive and consistent approach to assessment across disciplines.

The REF panels are at the heart of the REF assessment process and they bring together specialists in each Unit of Assessment (UoA).

You can now apply to join the sub-panels. Read further details about what the roles involve and how to apply.

Units of assessments (UoAs)

Submissions to the REF are made in 34 units of assessment, (UoA). In REF 2029 we are retaining the REF 2021 UoA structure with four main panels and 34 sub-panels, one for each UoA.

PCE pilot panel membership

You can view details of the membership of the REF People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panels on the PCE pages.

Advisory panels

REF 2029 will deliver an expanded definition of research excellence, recognising the wide range of research, roles, and people that are essential to the vitality of the UK’s vibrant research system. Two advisory panels will help us in delivering these aims and you can see the full membership of each panel using the links below.   

We recognise that the work of the panels will overlap in places, as matters concerning the diversity of people and the diversity of research are strongly interlinked. The panels will work together where there is benefit in doing so. 

Find out more about each panel and who the members are from the links below.

People and Diversity Advisory Panel

Research Diversity Advisory Panel 

Secretariat applications

• up to 12 panel advisors who provide high level procedural guidance to a main panel and a group of sub-panels
• up to 21 panel secretaries who provide high-quality, dedicated secretariat support and procedural guidance to up to two sub-panels

Applications for the secretariat positions are now closed.