Durham Leads in Biological and Psychological Sciences with REF 2029 Panel Chairs

Durham University Takes Strategic Role in REF 2029, Shaping UK Research Standards

Durham University UK has announced that twenty of its leading researchers have been selected to serve on expert sub-panels for the upcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, the national system for assessing the quality of research across UK universities. This appointment marks a significant institutional milestone, reflecting Durham’s continued influence in shaping the future of higher education and academic standards.

The REF, previously conducted in 2014 and 2021, will return in 2029 with 34 specialist sub-panels evaluating research outputs, impact, and environment. Durham’s performance in the 2021 exercise was particularly notable, with 90% of its academic research rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it firmly among the best universities in the UK and reinforcing its global reputation. Among the newly appointed panel members, Professor Martin Cann, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, will chair the Biological Sciences sub-panel, while Professor Richard Crisp from the Department of Psychology will serve as deputy chair of the Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience sub-panel. Their leadership roles underscore Durham’s disciplinary strength and national standing in science and innovation.

A diverse group of Durham academics have also been named to panels covering Environmental Science, Business Research, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Law, Sociology, and Philosophy. Notably, Professor Joe Elliot has been selected for a third consecutive REF cycle, an exceptional distinction within the Higher Education UK sector that highlights his sustained contribution to academic quality and peer review.

Further demonstrating its institutional depth, Durham confirmed that Dr John Bothwell co-chaired the REF 2029 People, Culture and Environment pilot panel for Earth Systems and Environmental Science, while Professor Ed Llewellin participated as a panel member. These pilot panels are designed to assess how universities cultivate inclusive research cultures and environments that support long-term innovation, an area where Durham has shown leadership through internal initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The university stated that this level of representation reflects both the breadth and excellence of its academic community. It also positions Durham as a key contributor to national research policy and as a competitive force among global universities and business schools UK-wide. With strong performance in international rankings and a growing portfolio of research partnerships, Durham continues to shape the trajectory of higher education and research in the UK. This announcement, framed as a major development in university news UK, signals Durham’s enduring commitment to research excellence, sector leadership, and global impact.

Editor’s Note

Durham University’s announcement is more than a list of appointments; it’s a clear signal of the institution’s growing influence in shaping the future of UK research. With twenty researchers selected to serve on expert sub-panels for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, Durham has positioned itself not just as a participant but as a leader in national academic standards. This level of representation matters. REF is the UK’s most important tool for assessing research quality, and Durham’s involvement across 34 specialist panels, from Biological Sciences to Business Research and Law, shows the university’s depth across disciplines. The fact that Professor Martin Cann will chair the Biological Sciences panel and Professor Richard Crisp will serve as deputy chair in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience speaks volumes about Durham’s standing in science and innovation. Equally impressive is Professor Joe Elliot’s third consecutive appointment, an uncommon achievement that reflects long-term excellence and trust in Durham’s academic leadership. The university’s role in the REF pilot panels on People, Culture and Environment also deserves attention. These panels are shaping how institutions support inclusive research environments, and Durham’s contribution here shows it is thinking beyond outputs to the conditions that make great research possible. Durham University's research quality is exceptional, with 90% of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021. This high standard directly benefits students, who learn in an environment shaped by cutting-edge thought, and early-career researchers, who are mentored by leading experts in the UK. This commitment to quality extends its positive impact to the wider community.

Skoobuzz underlines that this announcement serves as a reminder of the power of strong academic leadership, extending beyond mere good news for Durham. In an era of funding challenges and global competition within higher education, Durham exemplifies the enduring significance of excellence, collaboration, and strategic focus.

FAQs

1. What is Durham University known for in research?

Durham University UK, is widely recognised for its excellence in interdisciplinary research across science, humanities, and social sciences. It is particularly strong in fields such as Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Theology, Physics, and Business Research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of Durham’s research was rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it among the UK’s top-tier research institutions.

2. How many researchers has Durham appointed to REF 2029?

Durham University has appointed twenty researchers to serve on expert sub-panels for REF 2029. This level of representation reflects the university’s broad disciplinary expertise and its strategic role in shaping national research standards.

3. What are REF 2029 sub-panels in the UK?

REF 2029 sub-panels are specialist groups responsible for evaluating research quality across 34 academic disciplines. These panels assess outputs, impact, and research environments submitted by UK universities. Their findings influence funding allocations and institutional reputations across the higher education sector.

4. Which subjects does Durham University excel in?

Durham excels in a wide range of subjects, including:

• Biological Sciences

• Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience

• Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies

• Law, Sociology, and Philosophy

• Business and Management Research

Its consistent performance in national and global rankings confirms its strength across both STEM and humanities disciplines.

5. How does Durham University support academic research?

Durham supports academic research through:

• Strategic investment in research infrastructure and interdisciplinary centres

• Participation in national initiatives like REF and UKRI-funded projects

• Mentorship and recognition programmes, such as its nomination for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year

• A strong research culture that values inclusivity, innovation, and long-term impact

6. Is Durham University among the top UK universities?

Yes. Durham is consistently ranked among the top UK universities in national league tables and global rankings. Its REF performance, graduate outcomes, and international collaborations contribute to its reputation as a leading institution in higher education and research.

7. What is REF 2029, and why is it important?

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 is the UK’s national assessment of university research quality. Conducted every few years, REF determines how public funding is distributed and provides a benchmark for academic excellence. REF 2029 introduces new criteria focusing on research culture, people, and environment, making it a key moment for institutional strategy and sector-wide reform.

8. Who are the researchers representing Durham in REF 2029?

Key Durham representatives include:

• Professor Martin Cann, Chair of the Biological Sciences sub-panel

• Professor Richard Crisp, Deputy Chair of the Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience sub-panel

• Professor Joe Elliot, contributing for a third consecutive REF cycle

• Dr John Bothwell, Co-chair of the People, Culture and Environment pilot panel

• Professor Ed Llewellin, panel member for Earth Systems and Environmental Science

These appointments reflect Durham’s leadership across multiple disciplines.

9. How does Durham University contribute to environmental science?

Durham plays a significant role in environmental science through:

• Research in Earth Systems and Environmental Studies

• Participation in REF pilot panels focused on sustainability and research culture

• Contributions to climate science, biodiversity, and environmental policy

• Its Earth Sciences department is internationally recognised for its impact and innovation.

10. What role does Durham play in UK higher education?

Durham is a strategic leader in UK higher education, contributing to:

• National research policy through REF panel participation

• Academic excellence across teaching, research, and graduate employability

• Sector innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and global partnerships

Its influence extends beyond academia, shaping public understanding and policy through evidence-based research.