The REF is an expert review process. Universities and other institutions make submissions in specific subject areas, known as Units of Assessment (UoAs). Each submission is assessed by an expert sub-panel, working under the guidance of one of the four main panels. The panels are supported by the REF Secretariat and two advisory panels, (PDAP and RDAP).
There are two types of expert panel:
- Main panels (four in total) set the overall criteria and methods for assessment in their disciplinary area. They ensure that standards are applied consistently across the sub-panels and are responsible for approving the final assessment outcomes. Each main panel includes the chairs of its sub-panels, as well as additional members with interdisciplinary expertise, international expertise, and expertise in the use, application, and wider benefits of research.
- Sub-panels (34 in total) focus on individual subject areas, known as Units of Assessment (UoAs). They are responsible for developing discipline-specific criteria and for carrying out the detailed assessment of submissions within their field. Each sub-panel should include expertise across the main fields of research within the UoA, and its membership should collectively command the respect of the relevant researcher and wider communities.
The four main panels cover broad disciplinary areas:
- Main Panel A: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
- Main Panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
- Main Panel C: Social Sciences
- Main Panel D: Arts and Humanities
You can view the full list of sub-panels, their chairs and deputy chairs, by clicking on the relevant main panel link above.
Phases of panel work
Criteria setting phase
In the criteria setting phase, the expert panels develop the detailed framework for how research will be assessed.
- Main panels decide the overall approach to assessing research outputs, impact, and environment.
- Sub-panels adapt these principles to their subject areas, setting clear expectations for submissions and defining how quality will be judged.
Submission phase
The panels do not meet in this period. During this phase, HEIs prepare their REF submissions for assessment by the panels.
Assessment phase
In the assessment phase, sub-panels and main panels work together to ensure submissions are evaluated fairly, consistently, and robustly. Sub-panels assess submissions using peer review and expert judgment, guided by the published criteria. Main panels oversee the assessment process, providing cross-panel calibration, addressing methodological issues, and ensuring consistency of standards across sub-panels. They review and endorse the final outcomes recommended by sub-panels.
Additional recruitment for the assessment phase
Most members from the criteria phase continue into the assessment stage, but panels are expanded to ensure sufficient expertise and capacity. Sub-panel members are expected to bring a broad understanding across their subject area, including interdisciplinary research and the wider use or benefits of research. Additional members and specialist assessors (for outputs, People, Culture & Environment, impact, or interdisciplinary research) may also be appointed, including individuals from outside academia. Panels are recruited to cover the full range of topics in each subject area, and to balance experienced and new members.