Seven University of Strathclyde researchers have been appointed to main panels, expert sub-panels and advisory roles for REF 2029, the national assessment of research quality across the UK.
The latest announcement from Research England, on behalf of the four UK funding bodies, sees a highly qualified and diverse group of experts appointed across all 34 Units of Assessment.
Trusted assessment
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 Churnjeet Mahn has been appointed as a People, Culture & Environment expert to the Arts & Humanities panel (Main Panel D).
Professor Anne Marie Doherty is a Member of the Business and Management Studies (Unit of Assessment 17) sub-panel, while Professor Tim Sharpe has been appointed to the Engineering (Unit of Assessment 12) sub-panel (assessment phase). Professor Joanne Cleland joins the Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy (Unit of Assessment 3) sub-panel and Professor Paul Hoskisson has been appointed as a Member of the Biological Sciences (Unit of Assessment 5) sub-panel (assessment phase).
Dr Julia Smith is a Panel Advisor to the REF 2029 Secretariat (Main Panel C).
In an earlier announcement, Professor Karen Boyle was also named as Chair of the Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management (Unit of Assessment 34) sub-panel and Main Panel D member.
Prestigious appointments
The University’s REF Academic Lead, Professor Paul McKenna said: “We are delighted that our colleagues have been recognised through these prestigious appointments. At Strathclyde, we are committed to advancing research of the highest quality, with real impact, underpinned by a supportive and inclusive research culture.
“We are proud to play our part in supporting a successful REF 2029 that upholds trust in the UK’s outstanding research base. These appointments reflect the depth of expertise at Strathclyde and the leading role our researchers play in shaping their disciplines and influencing the wider UK research landscape.”
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.”