Seven OU experts on REF 2029 panels

Seven Open University (OU) academics have been appointed to Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 sub-panels.

Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, the four UK higher education funding bodies have announced a highly qualified and diverse group of experts across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs) of the REF, the method used to assess the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

The OU REF 2029 sub-panel members are:

• Professor Pallavi Anand, Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry and Palaeoclimatology, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
  Sub- panel 7: Earth Systems & Environmental Sciences
• Dr Francesca Calo, Senior Lecturer in Management, Faculty of Business & Law
  Sub-panel 17: Business and Management Studies
• Professor Sarah Vicary, Professor of Social Work and Mental Health, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
  Sub-panel 20: Social Work and Social Policy
• Professor Giles Mohan, Professor of International Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  Sub-panel 22: Anthropology and Development Studies
• Professor Simon Usherwood, Professor of Politics & International Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  Sub- panel 25: Area Studies
• Professor Sophie Grace Chappell, Professor of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  Sub-panel 30: Philosophy
• Dr John Maiden, Head of Religious Studies and Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  Sub-panel 31: Theology and Religious Studies

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. It is likely that further members will be recruited in due course.

Professor Mark Brandon, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the OU, said: “This is great news for research at The Open University. We now have more panel members for REF 2029 than in the two previous REFs, which I believe, shows the growth of our research and the reputation of our academics and their relevance and usefulness to society. We are honoured to be such an integral part of this process.”

REF 2021 showed that research undertaken at The Open University is both world-leading and has an impact in the real world.