The four UK higher education funding bodies, working with the REF (Research Excellence Framework) Main Panel Chairs and Advisory Panel members, have appointed chairs and deputy chairs for the 34 expert sub-panels that will assess research in REF 2029.
The panel chairs and deputy chairs will lead their units of assessment through the criteria setting phase, beginning later this year, and on through to the final assessment.
They are now working to appoint their full panels, ensuring that membership reflects the full range of required expertise. These appointments will be announced in summer 2025.
Deputy chairs have been confirmed for the majority of sub-panels. Appointments for sub-panels 8 (Chemistry), 11 (Computer Science and Informatics), 28 (History) and 31 (Theology and Religious Studies) are still being finalised and will be announced shortly.
REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “I’m delighted to welcome this outstanding group to lead the REF 2029 sub-panels. Their deep expertise and broad perspectives will be central to building an assessment process that is fair, rigorous, and trusted by the research community. We have been working in partnership with the sector throughout this process, and I’m grateful to everyone who expressed interest – your engagement is what strengthens the credibility and value of the REF across our research landscape.”
The list of appointed chairs and deputy chairs is listed below, and you can also find them via the Panels page on the REF website.
To see the full list of REF 2029 sub-panel chairs and deputy chairs, please visit https://2029.ref.ac.uk/news/appointments-made-to-lead-ref-2029s-34-sub-panels/