Four more Bournemouth University (BU) academics have been appointed as sub-panel members for the Research Excellence Framework assessment in 2029, making a total of five sub-panel members and one panel secretary.
Professors Edwin van Teijlingen, Vanora Hundley, Dimitrios Buhalis, and Einar Thorsen will assess research from universities across the country in the next REF exercise.
BU stands out amongst many other post-1992 universities in terms of number of academics invited on to the REF assessment panels. This year, five BU academics and one panel secretary will provide accountability for public investment in research.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers and is managed by Research England. The outcomes from REF assessments are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.
REF2029 will comprise 34 sub-panels. The REF panels are at the heart of the REF assessment process, bringing together experts in each of the Units of Assessment (UOA). Sub-panels members contribute to UOA criteria development and subsequently assess submissions to the exercise rigorously and fairly.
The new sub-panel members will join BU colleagues appointed to REF panel roles earlier this year; Professor Kate Welham as Chair of the sub-panel for Archaeology, and Dr Claire Fenton as panel secretary.
The five sub-panel members will include:
- Professor van Teijlingen will assess research submitted in the area of Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care
- Professor Hundley will assess research submitted in the area of Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
- Professor Buhalis will assess research submitted in the area of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
- Professor Thorsen will assess research submitted in the area of Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management
- Professor Kate Welham, will assess research submitted in the area of Archaeology.
Dr Claire Fenton, as Panel Secretary will provide support in the areas of Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care and Geography and Environmental Studies.
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. This approach was shaped through collaboration with sector bodies and the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP), helping to ensure that panels command the trust and confidence of their research communities.
Reflecting on the process, 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.”
Professor Alison Honour, Vice Chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University said: "Many congratulations to all colleagues who have been appointed to panels for the next REF assessments. We are pleased to have so many representatives. It is a reflection of their hard work and BU's reputation for carrying out research that makes a positive difference to industry and society, that they have been selected to review the work of their peers across the sector."
