Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Associate Head of the Medical Sciences Division (Research), has been appointed Chair of Sub-panel 4: Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.
There are 34 expert sub-panels that will assess research in REF 2029. The panel chairs and deputy chairs will lead their units of assessment through the criteria setting phase, beginning later this year, and on through to the final assessment.
Heidi said:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair for UOA4. Research evaluation plays a key role in rewarding excellence and driving good practice but can also bring challenges. I look forward to helping make REF 2029 as fair, transparent, rigorous, and proportionate as possible. As REF evolves, areas of particular interest to me include valuing non-traditional research contributions and ensuring that increased focus on PCE helps foster positive change.”
The full list of appointed chairs and deputy chairs is available via the Panels page on the REF website.
REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: "I'm delighted to welcome this outstanding group to lead the REF 2029 sub-panels. Their deep expertise and broad perspectives will be central to building an assessment process that is fair, rigorous, and trusted by the research community. We have been working in partnership with the sector throughout this process, and I'm grateful to everyone who expressed interest - your engagement is what strengthens the credibility and value of the REF across our research landscape."