The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality of UK university research and informs the allocation of £2-billion-a-year in public funding.

The latest REF, published in 2021, found that 94% of the University of Bristol’s research was either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

Bristol’s research pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and solves real world problems. Research published in the past week includes a report on the causes of child asthma deaths, an investigation into the repression of climate activists and polling on households’ view of the latest UK Government budget.

The next REF in 2029 will expand its definition of “research excellence” and its People, Culture and Environment pilot panels will help realise that vision.

Excitingly, Prof Susan Harrow, Ashley Watkins Chair of French, Prof Philip Donoghue, Professor of Palaeobiology, and Prof Sarah Smith, Professor of Economics, have all been appointed to the panels.

Prof Smith said: “People are at the heart of excellent research – that’s why it’s so important to value the culture and environment that helps to nurture and sustain talent. I’m excited to take part in this pilot - to discuss and shape ideas, and to learn!”

Prof Donoghue said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed to work on the REF 2029 Pilot, testing and development of ‘People, Culture and Environment’. This proved to be an influential component of REF2021 and so it is important that that this aspect of the assessment of academic research is shaped carefully by those active in research.”

Prof Harrow said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to work on the REF 2029 Pilot, testing and further developing the model for ‘People, Culture and Environment’, having served on the REF 2021 exercise as a panellist and as an Interdisciplinary Advisor in Modern Languages and Linguistics.

“The pilot’s developmental work, undertaken across eight Unit of Assessment panels, will shape this exciting, expansive and fully integrated area of REF with its ethos of vibrant research cultures, inclusiveness and sustainability.”