Professor Karen Boyle, head of the Department of Humanities, has been appointed chair of a Research Excellence Framework 2029 sub-panel.

Professor Boyle will head the Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Library and Information Management sub-panel (Unit of Assessment 34) that will review research submitted to REF, the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers (HEIs).

The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. Submissions to the REF are made in 34 units of assessment.

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.

Diverse fields

Professor Boyle said: “It is a privilege to chair Unit of Assessment 34 and work with colleagues across the country in identifying and celebrating research excellence in our diverse fields in all its forms and all the places it exists.”

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 be found on the REF website.