Friday, 05 September 2025
Experts from across disciplines at the University of Nottingham have been appointed by Research England to serve on the national panels that will shape assessment of submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2029.
The Nottingham representatives, from medicine, health and life sciences, social sciences, and physical sciences, engineering and mathematics to the arts and humanities, will join a highly qualified and diverse group of experts on panels that will set criteria for Units of Assessment (UoAs) for REF2029.
Each panel member will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research. The Research Excellence Framework is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers. The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2bn per year of public funding for universities’ research.
Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “Congratulations to all the colleagues from the University of Nottingham who have been appointed to the REF2029 assessment panels. REF panellists go through a rigorous selection process and this success is testament to their commitment and expertise. It is also wonderful to see recognition of university colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.
These outstanding individuals will play a significant part in shaping a cohesive and consistent approach to how research is assessed, in the next REF and beyond.
Professor Rodden added: “The Research Excellence Framework is an important part of the research landscape allowing us to capture and reflect the fantastic research undertaken across our universities and the impact it has on the UK.”
The announcement of panel members follows a decision by the four UK higher education funding bodies to confirm the pause in the criteria setting and publication of final guidance for REF 2029 for a short period, as announced by the UK Science Minister Lord Vallance at the Universities UK conference. The funding bodies, who jointly own the REF as a UK-wide programme of national research assessment, will use this opportunity to take stock, ensure alignment with government priorities and vision for higher education, and reflect on feedback from the sector. REF will announce any changes to the exercise by December 2025.
Professor Rodden and Dr Kelly Vere, Director of Technical Skills and Strategy at the University of Nottingham, were appointed last year by Research England, as chair of the main panel for Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics, and Deputy Chair of the People & Diversity Advisory Panel, respectively.
They are joined by the following University of Nottingham representatives on REF2029 Units of Assessment (UoA) panels:
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Sarah Dauncey
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UoA25: Area Studies
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Fiona Ellis
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UoA31: Theology
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Sub-Panel Deputy Chair
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Mark Fromhold
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UoA9: Physics
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Sub-Panel member
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John Gathergood
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UoA16: Economics and Econometrics
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Sub-Panel member
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Simon Gosling
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UoA14: Geography, Environmental Studies
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Kim Hardie
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UoA5: Biological Sciences
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Jonathan Hirst
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UoA8: Chemistry
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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John King
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UoA10: Mathematical Sciences
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Sub-Panel member
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Gulshan Ara Khan
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UoA19: Politics and International Studies
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Marina Novelli
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UoA24: Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
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Sub-Panel member
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Nicola Royan
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UoA27: English Language and Literature
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Kapil Sayal
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UoA4: Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Dov Stekel
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UoA11: Computer Science
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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Phil Williams
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UoA3: Pharmacy
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Sub-Panel member (assessment phase)
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The panels bring together specialists in each unit of assessment. University of Nottingham staff are encouraged to apply to serve on REF panels as an opportunity to enhance skills in research evaluation and broaden understanding of research quality standards. It is also an opportunity to build relationships with leading researchers and academics from other institutions.
The panel teams will begin work on criteria setting as soon as the framework has been finalised.
Professor Fiona Ellis, Head of Department of Philosophy, said: "I'm delighted to be serving on the REF2029 sub-panel for Theology and Religious Studies. It's a real privilege to represent the University of Nottingham and to help raise the profile of the excellent research in our discipline.”
Dov Stekel, Professor of Computational Biology, said: "I am very excited to be serving on the REF2029 sub panel for Computer Science and Informatics. Computing technologies shape the modern world, allowing us to understand and solve problems in every field of human endeavour, including in my own research in drug resistant infections and mental ill health. I am especially looking forward to reading and learning about the wide range of computational research being carried out in the UK, and being part of the process to ensure that we reward not only research excellence, but also positive impacts on society, and the development of happy, healthy and inclusive research cultures.”
Kapil Sayal, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said: “As joint REF lead for UoA4 for the previous two REF cycles, it was a huge honour to work with fantastic colleagues and lead a superb collective cross-Faculty return that achieved Top 10 national rankings for Research Power in successive REFs - REF 2014 & REF 2021. Building on this, I am delighted to have been formally appointed to the main REF Panel to shape the REF evaluation process, particularly for the fields of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience."
Simon Gosling, Professor of Climate Risks and Environmental Modelling, said: “I’m very pleased to be appointed to the REF2029 sub-panel for Geography and Environmental Studies. Geographical and environmental research is helping society to understand and deal with some of the biggest challenges facing the planet, like climate change, sustainability, environmental justice, and many others. I’m therefore honoured to be playing a role in helping to demonstrate the world-leading excellence of UK research in this area. I’m looking forward to working with the other REF2029 members over the years ahead and supporting the latest assessment of the UK’s research strengths.”
Kim Hardie, Professor in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Co-Director National Biofilms Innovation Centre, said: “I am delighted to be selected to represent UoN on a REF2029 panel. I am looking forward to working with the other panel members to shape REF in an inclusive and fair way. It is a fantastic opportunity for me to serve as an ambassador for Nottingham and a marker to raise the external reputation of UoN.”
Phil Williams, Professor of Biophysics and Faculty of Science Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for or Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the REF panel, and very much looking forward to working with peers to help deliver the assessment of Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy.”
Professor Rodden added: “The university will benefit reputationally by having staff participating in the Research Excellence Framework and from the enhanced expertise and insights panel members will bring to REF preparations now and in the future.”
For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates.
It’s been a privilege to work with the sector bodies and panel chairs on this new, open recruitment approach. I’m grateful for their insight and leadership throughout the process. It’s been inspiring to see the depth, strength, and commitment of the UK’s research community, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming the new panel members to the team.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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