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Two �����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ academics have been appointed to panels that will shape the next nationwide assessment of UK universities’ research quality, the four UK higher education funding bodies announced today (Thursday, 4 September). 

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is used to allocate around £2 billion of public funding each year, making its outcomes crucial for higher education institutions. For REF 2029, the funding bodies have now appointed panels for the criteria-setting phase. Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a diverse group of highly qualified experts has been selected across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs). 

The �����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ appointees are: 

• Zoë Skoulding, Professor of Creative Writing, joins the D27 English Language and Literature sub-panel 
• Dr Aled Llion Jones, Head of the School of Welsh, joins the D26 Modern Languages and Linguistics sub-panel 

Both will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research. 

These panel appointments reflect both the strength and diversity of the UK research community, including professional services staff, technicians, librarians, and others whose expertise underpins research excellence. There is strong representation from beyond academia, including over two dozen panellists from industry, policy, and third sector organisations. Several People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panellists have been selected who will be able to build on the valuable lessons from the pilot.  

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. 

Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), said, “I am delighted that two of our colleagues have been selected to play such an important role in shaping the future of research in the UK. Their appointments are a testament to the excellence and breadth of scholarship at �����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ, and to the valuable contribution our academics make to the wider research community. I have every confidence that Professor Skoulding and Dr Jones will bring great expertise and insight to the REF 2029 panels, helping to ensure that the process reflects the diversity and strength of research across the sector.” 

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.” 

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), published in 2022, 85% of �����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ’s research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent. The University was also ranked among the Top 30 in the UK for research impact, highlighting the real-world difference its research makes. You can find out more about �����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ’s performance in the last national assessment here.