AHC academics and staff appointed to national REF panel
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions
Seven academics and staff from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures have been appointed to national positions to influence the way that research quality is assessed in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Together, they join more than 150 experts across the UK who will play a vital role in developing detailed assessment criteria and working methods for the exercise, planned for 2029.
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. The most significant national measure of research quality and impact, it first took place in 2014 and was followed by REF2021.
Professor Matthew Treherne, Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, said:
“These appointments demonstrate the breadth and depth of expertise across our Faculty. I am delighted to see colleagues taking up such influential national roles, helping to shape how research quality and impact are assessed across the UK. Their contributions will help to ensure that the richness, diversity and significance of research in our subject areas are fully recognised in the REF.”
The following colleagues from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures have been appointed to the REF:
- Professor Bridget Bennett, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Director of Research and Innovation (School of English), has been appointed as Sub-panel Member (assessment phase) for Sub-panel 27: English Language and Literature.
- Professor Emma Cayley, Professor of Medieval French and Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, has been appointed as Sub-panel Member (assessment phase) for Sub-panel 26: Modern Languages and Linguistics.
- Professor Catherine Davies, Professor of Language Development (School of Languages, Cultures and Societies), has been appointed as Main Panel People, Culture and Environment (PCE) expert, Main Panel C: Social Sciences.
- Professor Gail Day, Professor of Art History and Critical Theory (School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies), has been appointed as Sub-panel Member for Sub-panel 32: Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory.
- Dr Joanna Phillips, Research and Impact Development Officer (School of History), has been appointed as Panel Secretary for Sub-panels 15 (Archaeology) and 29 (Classics).
- Professor Jasjit Singh, Professor of Religion and Global Engagement at the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and Pro-Dean International (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures), has been appointed as Sub-panel Member for Sub-panel 31: Theology and Religious Studies.
- Professor Pekka Väyrynen, Professor of Moral Philosophy and Deputy Head of the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, has been appointed as Sub-panel Member for Sub-panel 30: Philosophy.
Professor Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, said:
“I am honoured by this appointment and look forward to serving with my colleagues on the subpanel, highlighting the excellence of research in Modern Languages and Linguistics and the vital ways in which our disciplines tackle global challenges and drive forward policy change; social and environmental justice; equity, diversity, and inclusion across the UK.”
Dr Joanna Phillips, Research and Impact Development Officer, said:
"I’m delighted to be joining the REF 2029 Secretariat. It’s a privilege to contribute to such an important national process, and I’m looking forward to supporting the panels and learning from colleagues across the sector."
