Loughborough University Contributes to National Research Standards Through REF 2029 Panel Roles

Loughborough University Takes Strategic Role in REF 2029 Assessment Process

Loughborough University, UK, is a top public research institution known for excellence in sport, engineering, and design. Founded in 1966, with origins in 1909, it consistently ranks among the top 10 UK universities for student satisfaction, employability, and research. With campuses in Loughborough and London, it offers an inclusive learning environment and strong industry links. Over 90% of its research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent, and it has received multiple Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher Education. The university has confirmed that thirteen of its academics will serve on expert panels for the upcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029. This national assessment evaluates the quality of research across UK universities and plays a key role in shaping the future of higher education.

REF is a detailed review process where universities submit research outputs, case studies, and environmental statements under subject areas called “units of assessment.” These are judged by 34 specialist sub-panels, which report to four main panels covering Medicine, Health and Life Sciences; Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics; Social Sciences; and Arts and Humanities. Advisory panels also support the process by offering expert insights to ensure fair and thorough evaluation.

Loughborough announced that several of its academics will take on leadership roles as deputy chairs of sub-panels. These include:

• Professor Paul Conway (Engineering)
• Professor John Downey (Information Management and Communication, Cultural and Media Studies)
• Professor Rosemary Hunter (Law)
• Professor Craig Richardson (Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory)
• Their appointments highlight the university’s strength across both science and humanities subjects.

In addition, nine other academics from Loughborough have been selected as sub-panel members in a wide range of disciplines:

• Professor Siân Adiseshiah (English Language and Literature)
• Professor Richard Buswell (Engineering)
• Professor Crispin Coombs (Management Studies)
• Professor Richard Giulianotti and Professor Mark King (Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism)
• Professor Christopher Gorse and Dr Craig Morton (Architecture, Built Environment and Planning)
• Professor Matthew Inglis (Education)
• Professor Paul Wood (Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences)

These appointments reflect the university’s broad research expertise and its recognised leadership in areas such as sport science, engineering, education, and sustainability. Its Institute for Sport Business and School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering are especially well regarded for their applied research and strong industry links.

The university stressed that REF results are vital for UK research institutions. For example, the 2021 REF informed the distribution of over £2 billion in Quality-Related (QR) funding from Research England. REF also helps ensure public investment in research is accountable and impactful, something Loughborough has consistently delivered, particularly in sport, design, and engineering.

In REF 2021, Loughborough was ranked among the top 10 UK universities for research intensity, with over 91% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. This success has contributed to its strong performance in national rankings such as the Complete University Guide, Guardian University Guide, and Times Higher Education, where it is regularly recognised for student satisfaction, graduate outcomes, and academic quality.

Beyond rankings, Loughborough supports a vibrant research culture through mentoring, interdisciplinary centres, and global partnerships. Its involvement in REF 2029 reflects this ongoing commitment and provides early-career researchers with opportunities to engage in national policy and contribute to the future of UK higher education. This announcement reaffirms Loughborough University UK’s position as one of the country’s leading institutions, with strengths across undergraduate and postgraduate education, business schools, and advanced research programmes. Loughborough’s REF appointments confirm its continued leadership in shaping the direction of UK research and higher education.

Editor’s Note

Loughborough University’s appointment of thirteen academics to the REF 2029 panels is a significant moment, not just for the institution, but for the wider UK research landscape. These appointments are not honorary; they are strategic. They place Loughborough at the heart of the national process that determines how research quality is assessed, funded, and understood across universities. The REF (Research Excellence Framework) is the UK’s primary mechanism for evaluating academic research. It influences how billions in public funding are distributed and provides evidence of the impact universities make beyond academia. By contributing to REF 2029, Loughborough is helping shape the standards that define world-class research. That influence matters. Several of Loughborough’s academics will serve as deputy chairs, leading sub-panels in Engineering, Law, Media and Communication, and Art and Design. These are areas where the university has long demonstrated strength, and its leadership will help ensure that the assessment process reflects both rigour and relevance. The remaining appointees span disciplines from Sport Science and Architecture to Education and Environmental Studies, fields where Loughborough has built a reputation for applied research and innovation. This representation directly impacts the university by reinforcing Loughborough's research-intensive standing and strengthening its voice in national policy. It also reflects deep departmental expertise. For students, this means access to cutting-edge, research-led teaching and real-world projects, signalling a strong research culture that supports early-career academics, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and invests in long-term excellence.

Skoobuzz observed that the new appointments are not only maintaining the standard of the university but also shaping the very definition of research excellence, affirming its role as a leader with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

FAQs

1. What is Loughborough University known for?
Loughborough University UK, is widely recognised for its excellence in sport science, engineering, and design innovation. It consistently ranks among the top UK universities for student satisfaction, graduate employability, and research intensity. The university is also known for its strong industry partnerships and practical, applied research.

2. How is Loughborough University involved in UK research excellence?
Loughborough plays a key role in UK research through its participation in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), where over 91% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in 2021. Thirteen of its academics have been appointed to REF 2029 panels, including several in leadership roles, helping shape national standards for research quality and impact.

3. What subjects does Loughborough University specialise in?
The university specialises in a broad range of disciplines, including:

• Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Architecture and Built Environment
• Art and Design
• Management Studies
• Environmental Sciences
• Education and Social Sciences

Its interdisciplinary approach supports both academic depth and real-world relevance.

4. How does Loughborough support environmental research?
Loughborough supports environmental research through its School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering and its contributions to REF sub-panels in Environmental Studies. Academics such as Professor Paul Wood and Dr Craig Morton are actively involved in research on sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental planning, often in collaboration with industry and government bodies.

5. What postgraduate degrees does Loughborough University offer?
Loughborough offers a wide range of postgraduate degrees, including taught master’s programmes (MSc, MA, MRes), research degrees (PhD, EngD), and professional qualifications. Areas of study include business, engineering, sport science, design, education, and environmental management. Many programmes are available at both the Loughborough and London campuses.

6. How important is staff involvement in UK research excellence?
Staff involvement is essential to maintaining and advancing UK research excellence. Academics who serve on REF panels help define assessment criteria, ensure fair evaluation, and influence funding decisions. Their expertise contributes directly to national policy and the reputation of their institutions.

7. What is the role of Loughborough staff in research assessment?
Loughborough staff appointed to REF 2029 panels will assess submissions from universities across the UK. Their roles include reviewing research outputs, evaluating impact case studies, and judging the quality of research environments. Deputy chairs such as Professors Conway, Downey, Hunter, and Richardson will also guide panel discussions and ensure consistency in decision-making.

8. Is Loughborough University a top UK university?
Yes. Loughborough is consistently ranked among the top 10 UK universities in national league tables, including the Complete University Guide and Guardian University Guide. It is especially noted for student experience, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes, alongside its strong research performance.

9. What makes Loughborough strong in management studies?
Loughborough’s strength in management studies lies in its research-led teaching, industry engagement, and focus on digital transformation and leadership. Academics such as Professor Crispin Coombs contribute to national research panels and lead studies in areas like information systems, organisational behaviour, and innovation management.

10. How does Loughborough contribute to social sciences research?
The university contributes to social sciences through active research in sociology, education, communication, and law. Its academics are involved in national assessments and interdisciplinary projects that explore social policy, cultural studies, and public engagement. This work informs teaching and supports evidence-based policy development.