Manchester researchers appointed to lead REF 2029 sub-panels
23 May 2025
Two colleagues among those appointed to lead Research Excellence Framework units of assessment.
Two Manchester researchers have been appointed to lead REF 2029 sub-panels.
Claire Alexander will chair the Sociology panel and Kate Dorney has been appointed deputy chair of the Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies panel.
They will lead their units of assessment through the criteria setting phase, beginning later this year, and on through to the final assessment.
Their appointments take the total number of University colleagues with REF 2029 roles to eight.
Six colleagues are members to the REF People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panels:
- Anne-Marie Glenny, Professor of Health Sciences, for Unit of Assessment 3 – Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy;
- Rachel Cowen, Professor of Inclusive Researcher and Academic Development, for Unit of Assessment 5 – Biological Sciences;
- Chris Taylor, Professor of Medical Biophysics, for Unit of Assessment 11 – Computer Science and Informatics;
- Cathal Rogers, Research Culture and Assessment Manager, for Unit of Assessment 17 – Business and Management Studies;
- Maggie Gale, Vice-Dean Research, Humanities and Chair in Drama, for Unit of Assessment 28 – History;
- Kate Dorney, Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Performance, for Unit of Assessment 33 – Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies, as well as her new deputy chair role.
In October, Toni Haastrup, Professor in Global Politics, was appointed to the REF People and Diversity Advisory Panel, while Dr Cathal Rogers, Research Culture and Assessment Manager, was recently appointed to the REF 2029 panel secretariat.
Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan said: “I am delighted that more of our research community colleagues are playing a vital role in the development of REF 2029, our national research excellence framework. Claire and Kate willbring a wealth of experience as well as dedication to their roles. I am very proud and wish them all well.”
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."
Further information
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by sub-panels focused on subject-based units of assessment, under the guidance of overarching main panels and advisory panels.
To find out more, visit:
· REF 2029