Portsmouth Joins National Effort to Shape UK Research Assessment Framework

REF 2029 Panel Appointments Highlight Portsmouth’s Research Excellence and Sector Influence

The four UK higher education funding bodies have confirmed the appointment of expert panels for the criteria-setting stage of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, with several academics from the University of Portsmouth among those selected. Widely regarded as the UK’s central mechanism for evaluating research quality across universities and research institutions, REF plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability for public investment, demonstrating the societal value of academic research, and guiding the distribution of approximately £2 billion in annual funding.

It was noted that the newly appointed panel members would be instrumental in shaping the next iteration of REF by delivering a rigorous and trusted assessment of research standards. Experts have been drawn from a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, health and life sciences, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts and humanities.

Following what officials described as a rigorous and transparent application process, a diverse and highly qualified cohort of specialists has been appointed across 34 subject areas, referred to as Units of Assessment (UoAs). Among those selected from Portsmouth University are:

• Professor Lisa Jack (School of Accounting, Economics and Finance), appointed to Main Panel C and Sub-panel 17: Business and Management Studies
• Associate Professor Dr Ben Davies (School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature), appointed to Main Panel D and Sub-panel 27: English Language and Literature
• Professor Anastasia Callaghan (School of the Environment and Life Sciences), appointed to Main Panel A and Sub-panel 5: Biological Science
• Professor Laura Nuttall (Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation), appointed to Main Panel B and Sub-panel 9: Physics

For the first time, panel members have been recruited through an open application system rather than by nomination, a shift designed to reduce barriers to entry and encourage participation from a wider and more inclusive pool of candidates. This approach, shaped in part by sector bodies and the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP), is intended to foster trust and confidence across the research community. Observers have recalled Portsmouth’s strong performance in REF 2021, where 77 per cent of its submissions were rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent. The University’s research was found to have a significant impact across health, society, culture and the environment, reinforcing its position among the top UK institutions and enhancing its international reputation.

Commenting on the appointments, Professor Vikas Kumar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, suggested that REF continues to provide government, funders and the wider public with assurance of the quality and impact of UK research. He indicated that the inclusion of Portsmouth academics on the REF panels reflected the depth of expertise within the University’s research community and reaffirmed its commitment to shaping national standards in research assessment.

It was further reported that additional panel members and assessors would be recruited at a later stage, informed by submission surveys and the need to broaden the diversity of panel experience. REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn expressed appreciation for the collaboration with sector leaders and panel chairs throughout the adoption of the open recruitment model. She acknowledged the strength of the UK’s research base and described the appointments as a positive and inspiring development for higher education. The announcement has been viewed as further evidence of Portsmouth’s growing influence in UK research and its contribution to the global standing of British universities. With a strong record in postgraduate education, a supportive campus environment, and a wide range of academic offerings for international students, Portsmouth continues to consolidate its position among the leading institutions in the UK. Portsmouth’s inclusion in REF 2029 marks another step in its ascent as a research-driven university with global reach and national impact.

Editor’s Note

The appointment of University of Portsmouth academics to the REF 2029 criteria-setting panels is both a commendable institutional milestone and a timely reflection of the evolving landscape of UK research assessment. At a moment when public trust in academic rigour and research impact is under scrutiny, Portsmouth’s inclusion in this national process signals growing recognition of its scholarly depth and societal relevance. The REF, widely acknowledged as the UK’s principal mechanism for evaluating research quality, does more than allocate funding; it shapes the narrative of what constitutes valuable, world-class research. That Portsmouth scholars have been selected across diverse Units of Assessment, from physics and biological sciences to literature and business, speaks volumes about the University’s interdisciplinary strength and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to national standards. Equally significant is the shift to open recruitment for panel membership. This reform, driven by the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel, marks a deliberate move towards transparency and inclusivity, principles long overdue in academic governance. It is encouraging to see sector bodies embrace a model that prioritises merit, diversity and community trust over legacy nomination systems. Portsmouth's strong REF 2021 performance (over 75% world-leading/internationally excellent) established its reputation. The University's research significantly impacts health, culture, environment, and society, highlighting its public relevance. As REF 2029 develops, appointed academics will shape UK research standards for the next decade. Portsmouth's panel representation reflects past success and strategically influences future benchmarks, ensuring excellence is measured by real-world change, not just citations.

Skoobuzz suggested that Portsmouth’s rise demonstrated that research excellence was not confined to a select few institutions but could be achieved through vision, collaboration and relevance. The recent appointments to REF panels were viewed as evidence of this progress, highlighting Portsmouth’s growing influence and its determination to shape the future of UK research rather than simply follow it.

FAQs

1. What is REF 2029 in UK universities? 
REF 2029 refers to the next cycle of the Research Excellence Framework, the UK’s national system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. Managed by the four UK funding bodies, REF outcomes inform the allocation of approximately £2 billion in public research funding annually. The 2029 exercise will evaluate submissions across 34 subject areas, focusing on research outputs, impact, and the environment in which research is conducted.

2. How does REF affect higher education? 
REF plays a transformative role in shaping institutional priorities, influencing funding decisions, reputational standing, and strategic planning. It affects hiring, research investment, and collaboration opportunities, while also encouraging universities to demonstrate the societal relevance and global impact of their research. REF 2029 introduces a rebalanced framework that places greater emphasis on research culture and inclusivity.

3. Why are academics appointed to REF sub-panels? 
Academics are appointed to REF sub-panels to provide expert peer review of submissions within specific Units of Assessment. Their role is to develop discipline-specific criteria, assess research quality, and ensure consistency across the national evaluation. The open recruitment model adopted for REF 2029 aims to diversify panel membership and enhance trust across the research community.

4. Is Portsmouth University, UK, strong in research? 
Yes. Portsmouth University has demonstrated notable research strength, with 77% of its REF 2021 submissions rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. It ranks highly in disciplines such as Physics, Mathematics, Area Studies, and Business. The University’s collaborative research culture and global partnerships further reinforce its growing reputation in the UK and internationally.

5. What subjects are included in REF 2029?

REF 2029 retains the structure of four main panels and 34 Units of Assessment:

• Panel A: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
• Panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
• Panel C: Social Sciences
• Panel D: Arts and Humanities Subjects range from Clinical Medicine and Engineering to English Literature, Sociology, and Music, reflecting the full academic spectrum.

6. How do UK colleges prepare for REF?

• Preparation involves multi-year planning, including:
• Identifying eligible staff and research outputs
• Developing impact case studies
• Strengthening research environments
• Aligning institutional strategies with REF criteria

Colleges also invest in internal review processes, data management, and staff development to ensure robust submissions.

7. Which universities are top-ranked in REF? 
Top-performing institutions in previous REF cycles include:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)
• London School of Economics (LSE)

These universities consistently achieve high scores across outputs, impact, and environment, securing substantial research funding and global recognition.

8. What is the role of academic research in REF? 
Academic research is central to REF, serving as the primary evidence for assessment. It must demonstrate originality, significance, and rigour, and contribute meaningfully to knowledge, policy, and practice. REF evaluates not only the quality of research outputs but also their real-world impact and the institutional support structures that enable excellence.

9. How does REF benefit international students?
REF enhances the global reputation of UK universities, making them attractive destinations for international students seeking research-led education. Strong REF performance signals academic credibility, access to cutting-edge research, and opportunities for postgraduate study and collaboration. It also informs rankings that influence international mobility and funding.

10. Why is higher education important in the REF process? 
Higher education institutions are the foundation of the REF process. They generate the research being assessed, shape the academic environment, and deliver societal impact. REF provides a mechanism for recognising excellence, guiding public investment, and benchmarking performance across the sector. It reinforces the role of universities as engines of innovation, knowledge and public good.