The four UK higher education funding bodies have announced the appointment of panels for the criteria-setting phase of REF 2029. Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been appointed across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs). 

The panels - including 18 UofG academics - will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research. 

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. 

The panel appointments reflect both the strength and diversity of the UK research community, including professional services staff, technicians, librarians, and others whose expertise underpins research excellence. There is strong representation from beyond academia, including over two dozen panellists from industry, policy, and third sector organisations. 

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 Chris Pearce, UofG's Vice Principal for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “Congratulations to the 18 colleagues from Glasgow announced as REF2029 panel members.  These appointments are a recognition of their expertise, and I am confident they will bring insight to the assessment process by drawing on their deep disciplinary knowledge, interdisciplinary perspective and experience of delivering impactful research. Their appointments reflect the University’s commitment to ensuring a successful REF2029, thereby instilling trust and confidence in the UK’s world-class research.” 

This announcement brings the total number of University of Glasgow staff appointed to the REF2029 process to 22.  Four members of the University were announced in May 2025 as Panel Chairs and Deputy Chairs. The full list of appointed chairs, deputy chairs and panels can be found via the Panels page on the REF website. 

 

University of Glasgow Academics appointed as REF 2029 panels members: 

Professor Stephen Brewster, Professor of Human-Computer Interactions, School of Computing Science 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 11 – Computer Sciences and Informatics
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

Professor Michele Burman, Professor of Criminology, School of Social & Political Sciences 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 20 – Social Work and Social Policy
  • Main panel: C – Social Sciences

Professor James Chalmers, Regius Professor of Law, School of Law 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 18 - Law
  • Main panel: C – Social Sciences

Professor Jonathan Cooper, Wolfson Chair of Bioengineering, James Watt School of Engineering 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 12 – Engineering
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

Professor Anthony Doyle, Professor of Physics, School of Physics & Astronomy 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 9 - Physics
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

Professor Nick Fells, Professor of Sonic Practice, School of Culture & Creative Arts 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 33 - Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies
  • Main panel – D – Arts and Humanities

Dr Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Reader in Information Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care
  • Main panel: A – Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Professor Rucha Karnik, Professor of Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Molecular Biosciences 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 5 Biosciences
  • Main panel: A – Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Professor Simon Kövesi, Professor of English and Scottish Literature, School of Critical Studies 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 27 - English Language and Literature
  • Main panel – D – Arts and Humanities

Professor Campbell Leith, Professor of Macroeconomics, Adam Smith Business School 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 16 – Economics and Econometrics
  • Main panel: C – Social Sciences

Dr Julien Le Kernec, Senior Lecturer (Autonomous Systems & Connectivity), James Watt School of Engineering 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 6 Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science
  • Main panel: A - Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Professor Karen Lury, Professor of Film & Television Studies School of Culture & Creative Arts 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 34 - Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management
  • Main panel – D – Arts and Humanities

Professor Charlotte Methuen, Professor of Ecclesiastical History, School of Critical Studies 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 31 - Theology and Religious Studies
  • Main panel – D – Arts and Humanities

Professor Claire Miller, Professor (Statistics), School of Mathematics & Statistics 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 10 – Mathematical Sciences
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

Professor Miles Padgett, Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy, School of Physics & Astronomy 

  • Role: Main Panel Interdisciplinary Expert
  • Sub-panel: n/a
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

Professor Melanie Simms, Professor of Work and Employment, Adam Smith Business School 

  • Role: Assessment Phase Member
  • Sub-panel: 17 – Business and Management Studies
  • Main panel: C – Social Sciences

Professor Ellen Stewart, Professor of Public Policy and Health, School of Social & Political Sciences 

  • Role: Main Panel Interdisciplinary Expert
  • Sub-panel: n/a
  • Main panel: C – Social Sciences

Professor Michael Wemyss, The Chair of Mathematics, School of Mathematics & Statistics 

  • Role: Criteria Setting & Assessment
  • Sub-panel: 10 – Mathematical Sciences
  • Main panel: B – Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics

First published: 4 September 2025

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