Announced by the four UK higher education funding bodies following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts, including four from ENU, has been appointed across the 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs). The full list is here.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education, and the outcomes directly shape how research funding is allocated across universities. Membership of a REF sub-panel is highly competitive and carries major responsibility, with panellists playing a central role in evaluating the originality, significance, and rigour of research submitted by institutions across the UK.
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. ENU’s representatives are:
Main panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Sub-panel 11: Computer Science and Informatics
Emma Hart (SCEBE) [sub-panel member]
Main panel B: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Sub-panel 12: Engineering
Berk Canberk (SCEBE) [sub-panel member assessment phase]
Main Panel C: Social Sciences
Sub-panel 23: Education
Sam Illingworth (DLTE) [sub-panel member assessment phase]
Main Panel D: Arts and Humanities
Sub-panel 32: Art and Design, History, Practice and Theory
Iain Donald (SCEBE) [sub-panel member assessment phase]
Professor Nazira Karodia, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: "It is fantastic to see more Edinburgh Napier academics than ever before appointed to REF panels. After the University's outstanding performance in REF 2021, this is further confirmation of our growing research reputation and excellence. I congratulate all our panel members and wish them well for the important work they have ahead of them."
REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “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.”