Faculty expertise recognised with appointments to national REF panel

Two leading academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences have been chosen to influence research quality assessments in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF).

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. The UK REF team has remarked on the outstanding calibre of applicants, reflecting the high quality of research across the country’s academic institutions, and the University of Leeds’ strong position within this field, as a key member of the Russell Group.

The Faculty’s Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation, Professor Cath Noakes, was appointed to Main Panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics, as an interdisciplinary expert.

She said: “I’m very pleased to be appointed to main panel B. Interdisciplinary research is hugely important to tackling major societal and economic challenges and I am looking forward to working with other members of the REF panel to ensure that interdisciplinarity is properly recognised and celebrated as part of the assessment exercise”.

Professor Noakes is joined by Giles Davies, Professor of Electronic and Photonic Engineering in School of Electronic and Electric Engineering, and Deputy Dean for the Faculty, who will be a member of REF’s Physics sub-panel 9.

In all, 16 academics from across the University have been selected as panel members with the job of developing detailed assessment criteria and working methods for each Unit of Assessment and will play key roles in shaping REF2029.

Academic Institutional REF Lead Professor Amanda Bretman said: “The REF roles announced are crucial for ensuring the process truly reflects the quality and vibrancy of UK research. To have Leeds colleagues involved means we have a strong voice at the national level in these preparations. I thank our colleagues for showing such leadership and collegiality by volunteering for these important roles.”