Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

The Durham researchers will be part of expert sub-panels that will assess UK universities’ research for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

What is REF 2029?

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It took place in 2014 and 2021, and the next exercise is planned for 2029.

In 2021, 90% of Durham research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

For REF 2029, 34 expert sub-panels will assess research in a particular subject.

Who’s involved from Durham?

As was announced in May 2025, Professor Martin Cann, Head of our Department of Biosciences, will chair the Biological Sciences sub-panel, and Professor Richard Crisp, from our Department of Psychology, will be deputy chair of the Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience sub-panel.

In addition, the following researchers have been confirmed as sub-panel members: Aakash Basu and John Bothwell (Biological Sciences); AnnMarie O’Donoghue (Chemistry); Daniel Paulusma (Computer Science and Informatics); Charles Augarde (Architecture, Built Environment and Planning); Rebecca Senior (Geography and Environmental Studies); Robert Witcher (Archaeology); Stefania Paolini (Business and Management Studies); Clare McGlynn (Law); Bahar Baser (Politics and International Studies and Area Studies, joint member); Stephen MacDonald (Social Work and Social Policy); Vikki Boliver (Sociology); Jo Setchell (Anthropology and Development Studies); Joe Elliot (Education); Brett Smith (Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism); Stephen Mumford (Philosophy); Mathew Guest (Theology and Religious Studies); Claire Warwick (Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management).

Prof Elliot is contributing to REF for a third consecutive occasion, a very rare achievement.

In addition, Dr John Bothwell, from our Department of Biosciences, has served as co-chair of the REF 2029 People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panel for Earth Systems and Environmental Science, and Professor Ed Llewellin, from our Department of Earth Sciences, has been a member of the same panel. The PCE pilot panels were set up to aid the REF process in assessing how universities support the people, culture, and environment that contribute to a vibrant research system.

Congratulations to all researchers involved. The number and breadth of expertise reflects the excellence of research and impact here at Durham.

Find out more

• Read the full Research Excellence Framework announcement.
• Explore how Durham was assessed for REF 2021.