REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the next exercise planned for 2029. REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by sub-panels focused on subject-based units of assessment (UoAs), under the guidance of overarching main panels and advisory panels.
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.
Professor Matthew Flinders said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed to chair the Politics and International Relations panel for REF2029. The new emphasis on an expanded definition of research excellence is exciting, and I’m looking forward to working with the other panel members and research-user assessors.”
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."