Salford colleagues selected to join panels for REF 2029 and shape UK’s research
Three colleagues at the University of Salford have been appointed by the four UK higher education funding bodies to join the panels for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.
Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been appointed across all 34 Units of Assessment – including Salford academics Professor Mary He and Professor Garry Crawford, along with Dr Luke Postlethwaite, Head of Research Culture, Development and Environment.
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in higher education providers, with the outcomes used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. Research England manages the REF on behalf of all four UK higher education funding bodies; Research England, Scottish Funding Council, Medr, Wales’ Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland.
From medicine, health and life sciences to the social sciences, and physical sciences, engineering and mathematics to the arts and humanities, the calibre of applicants for the panel positions was outstanding, underlining the enormous strength of UK research. Each panel member will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research.
Professor Simon Green, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “Involvement in the REF panels plays a vital role in shaping the UK’s research ecosystem. It is testament to both the expertise that exists across our University and our collaborative ethos that Salford has involvement in multiple Units of Assessment that cut across broad disciplinary areas. I am also delighted to see a mix of representation from our academic and professional service communities.”
For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates. This approach was shaped through collaboration with sector bodies and the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP), helping to ensure that panels command the trust and confidence of their research communities.
Reflecting on the process, REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “It’s been a privilege to work with the sector bodies and panel chairs on this new, open recruitment approach. I’m grateful for their insight and leadership throughout the process. It’s been inspiring to see the depth, strength, and commitment of the UK’s research community, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming the new panel members to the team.”
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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