School of History’s Joanna Phillips appointed to REF 2029 Secretariat
The REF Secretariat plays a vital role in developing and delivering the next Research Excellence Framework
Dr Joanna Phillips, Research and Impact Development Officer at the School of History, has been appointed as a panel secretary to the REF 2029 Secretariat.
The REF Secretariat plays a vital role in developing and delivering the next Research Excellence Framework, providing procedural guidance and operational support to the expert panels who will assess research quality across UK universities.
Joanna is one of 21 panel secretaries appointed nationwide, providing dedicated secretariat support and procedural advice to up to two sub-panels.
Speaking about the appointment, Joanna 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."
Professor Matthew Treherne, Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, said:
"I’m so pleased to see Jo take on this significant national role. Her insight and expertise will make an important contribution to the REF process, and her appointment reflects the depth of knowledge and experience held by professional colleagues across our Faculty."
The REF 2029 Secretariat also includes 12 panel advisors, and the full list of appointees was published by the REF team this week.
REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn welcomed the new members, noting:
“Secretaries and Advisors are a crucial component of the REF exercise and the REF team, they provide the connectivity that holds this complicated programme together. I am immensely grateful to those who took the time to apply, it was an incredibly strong field and I am pleased we will be benefiting from such a wealth of experience from these appointees.”
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021. The next exercise is planned for 2029.
