World-leading University of Exeter academics appointed to REF 2029 panels

World-leading academics from the University of Exeter have been appointed to help steer the process of assessing the quality of UK research.

A total of 16 academics have been appointed to the REF 2029 panels following a rigorous and open recruitment process.

University of Exeter experts have been appointed to serve across all four main panels, from medicine, health and life sciences to the social sciences, and physical sciences, engineering and mathematics to the arts and humanities.

They were chosen because of their outstanding record of research excellence and will now have a key role in shaping the REF to ensure it is a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research.

Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, University of Exeter Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact, said: “I am immensely proud to congratulate all University of Exeter academics appointed to this important exercise. Their involvement reflects both individual excellence and the University’s growing contribution to shaping the future of higher education across the UK.

“Their role is recognition of the impact of their own world-class research and work supporting their academic peers, both at Exeter and elsewhere.”

Professor Sallie Lamb is the Main Panel Interdisciplinary Expert for Panel A – Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, with Professor Richard Smith and Professor Helen Dawes serving on sub panels.

Professor James Scourse is a Main Panel Member of Panel B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics and a member of a sub panel. Professor Xujiong Ye is also a sub panel member.

Professor Fiona Maine, Professor Phil Ashworth, Professor Claire Dunlop, Professor Oliver Creighton, Professor Brit Grosskopf and Professor Andrew Jones all serve on sub panels for Panel C – Social Sciences. 

Professor Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen, Professor William Gallois, Professor Katharine Earnshaw, Professor Andrew McRae and Professor Stacey Hynd will all serve on sub panels for Panel D Arts and Humanities.

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).

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.”