• Deadline for sub-panel chair and deputy chair: Midday 6 Feb 2025
  • Deadline for general panel membership: Midday 28 April 2025

Recruitment is now open for applications for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 sub-panel chairs, deputy chairs and panel members. For the benefit of anyone new to REF, a short explainer is included at the end of this message.

Being a member of a sub-panel provides a unique insight into the REF process, is a position of power and enormous responsibility, and is a highly-regarded contribution to your academic discipline and community.

The success of the sub-panels as well as the outcomes for HEIs and individual disciplines depends on good people stepping forward.

In the best interests of the discipline, the BSA strongly urges sociologists from diverse backgrounds and people who use Sociology in their work outside academia, for example in the private, public, or third sectors, to apply.

The process of recruitment to panels has changed to increase transparency, remove barriers for potential applicants, and ensure that REF panels are representative of the diverse disciplines they assess. Applicants do not have to be nominated by sector bodies. Applications are via a form on REF’s website.

More information is available on the REF 2029 website.

The application form is available here.

There are eleven questions on the application form. The question requiring most input is the sixth one, where you will need to describe how your experience demonstrates that you meet the criteria, or offer commensurate alternatives*. You will have a maximum of 1900 characters for each section (including spaces).

*REF says:

“We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you are not certain that you meet every criterion listed. Research shows that men often apply without fulfilling all criteria, whilst women and individuals from underrepresented groups may hesitate unless they meet every point. To counteract this and foster diversity, we view these criteria flexibly. We are keen to hear from individuals with varied experiences who can bring unique perspectives to the panels, this includes diverse lived experiences. Experiences beyond academia are also highly valued.”

To help prospective applicants prepare, below are the criteria that you will have to demonstrate you meet when applying for sub-panel membership.

  • Your leadership experience relevant to the role (for those applying for chair and deputy roles only):
    • A visible leader in your professional community with the ability to inspire confidence in the fairness and integrity of the assessment process across disciplines.
    • A track record of leading diverse stakeholders to deliver high-profile cross-sector or international initiatives or projects to reach consensus in a complex and challenging environment.
    • Familiarity with the aims, criteria, framework, and procedures of the REF assessment process.
  • Your knowledge and understanding relevant to the role:
    • In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Units of Assessment (UoA) to which you are applying.
    • Understanding of the UK higher education sector and the role of research assessment within it.
  • Your experience relevant to the role:
    • Prior evaluation or assessment experience which may be gained through peer review, research assessment, grant evaluation, or similar evaluation processes, demonstrating the ability to critically assess research quality and impact.
    • Experience in a role demonstrating active engagement in the research landscape.
  • Your skills relevant to the role:
    • Excellent analytical and judgment skills to evaluate research outputs, impact, or people, culture and environment (PCE) submissions effectively.
    • Ability to apply assessment criteria fairly and consistently.
    • Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team, fostering an inclusive and constructive environment.
  • Your motivations for applying for the role:
    • Genuine commitment to the aims of the REF and the successful delivery of the 2029 exercise.
    • Dedication to fair and rigorous responsible research assessment practices.
    • Passion for supporting the health and diversity of the research sector.

Sub-panels in a nutshell

  • Sub-panels are the core assessment units within the REF.
  • They will develop assessment criteria and working methods Feb 2025 – Jun 2026.
  • They will assess REF submissions and produce draft outcomes Jul 2026 – Mar 2030.
  • The time commitment will be about 40 – 60 days over the course of the exercise.
  • Sub-panel members are paid fees ranging from £10,000 to £18,000.
  • Meetings are likely to be a mix of face-to-face and virtual.
  • Sub-panel chairs make the final decision on matters that fall within their panel’s remit.
  • Sub-panels need to be diverse in composition to function optimally.
  • Applications are encouraged from:
    • Individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including other sectors, policy work, and community-based experience
    • Sub-disciplinary areas
    • Different forms and stages of research and impact
    • Careers and career stages
    • Regions and UK nations
    • Institutions
    • Institution type

 

REF Explainer

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.

The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by sub-panels focused on subject-based units of assessment (UoAs), under the guidance of overarching main panels and advisory panels.

Source: REF website