Professor Simon Macklin
Chair of REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel
This is the third in a series of blogs following our online Town Hall session on applying to be a panel member for REF 2029. In this blog, Chair of the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel, Professor Simon Macklin, tells us who he hopes will apply. Read Rebecca Fairbairn’s blog on the key points for potential applicants and Greg Walker’s blog on what it’s like to be on a panel.
Why we really want to hear from you
As Chair of the People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP) for REF 2029, when visiting different institutions or in meetings with various groups I’m often asked: who should apply to be a REF panel member?
My answer is always the same: people who care about research assessment, who bring deep expertise in their field, and-crucially-who may not see themselves as a “typical” REF panellist.
A commitment to diversity, breadth of expertise, and inclusivity is at the heart of REF 2029. The exercise cannot fairly evaluate the rich and varied research taking place across the UK unless the panels reflect the diversity of that research, whether that is in terms of disciplines, specialities, research roles, career stages or people. This is why we’re keen to hear from as wide range of applicants as possible, including those that may not traditionally have been represented.
Who is eligible?
One of the biggest myths about REF panel membership is that it’s only for senior professors. In reality, REF panels benefit from a much broader range of expertise and we also want to hear from you if you are a:
- Part-time academic balancing research with other responsibilities
- Emeritus professor with experience to contribute
- Professional expert working in research technical roles, research management, or research impact or engagement among the many others
- Early career researcher (ECR) with relevant expertise in your field
Your perspective matters.
Expertise in research assessment goes beyond publication records. The REF recognises the importance of those who work on impact, engagement, and research culture, and this is reflected in the way we are selecting our panels. For those in research management, engagement, and impact roles, the main panel expert roles (currently open) are an excellent opportunity to shape the criteria that will underpin REF 2029. There will also be further opportunities to support the sub-panels in their work as the assessment phase begins. So also if not now, maybe later.
Our approach to shortlisting
A diverse panel isn’t something that happens by chance, it requires proactive recruitment and thoughtful selection. That’s why we’re working with sector bodies, professional associations, and supporting organisations to encourage applications from individuals across career stages, disciplines, specialities and lived experiences.
We know that research excellence comes in many forms, and we are looking for panel members who not only meet the criteria but bring that additional insight, practical experience, or specialist perspective that strengthens the panel’s ability to assess the breadth of UK research. Some of the most valuable panellists may not see themselves as the “typical” candidate but their expertise is exactly what’s needed to ensure fair and robust assessments.
If you have relevant experience, even if you don’t meet every part of the formal criteria, we encourage you to apply. Your perspective could be the missing piece that ensures we have a broad range of voices involved, reflecting the complexity and richness of UK research to meet our aim not only to uphold the highest standards of rigour in assessment but also command the confidence of the research community as a whole.
Reducing barriers to participation
We also know that applying for and serving on a REF panel can seem daunting, particularly for those who are balancing multiple responsibilities. That’s why we’re taking steps to remove barriers to participation, including:
- Reasonable adjustments: a full range of reasonable adjustments can be made to support participation. Many aspects of panel work can be undertaken remotely or in alternative formats or ways, helping ensure the process is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
- Institutional support: we are providing clear guidance for institutions, encouraging them to recognise panel membership as professional development and to support their staff accordingly.
- Open application process: we have moved away from a nominations process, in part, to remove potential or perceived barriers for potential applicants, creating a REF that is inclusive of wider communities.
We want to ensure that everyone who has something to contribute feels able to put themselves forward, so if you feel there might be a barrier we have overlooked, please let us know.
Why you should consider applying
If you’re not sure whether to apply, I’ll leave you with this: the REF process is only as strong as the panels that shape it. By putting yourself forward, you help create a research assessment process that is more robust, more inclusive, and more representative of the diverse research that the UK is known for.
Your expertise, wherever it comes from – inside your institution, previous roles or as industry-employed researcher – can make a real difference. If you’re interested in shaping the future of UK research assessment, now is the time to get involved.
Applications are open until midday on 28 April and we really hope to hear from you.