RGU experts help assess research quality across UK Universities

Friday 05 September 2025

Three academics from Robert Gordon University (RGU) have been appointed to panels for the criteria-setting phase of REF 2029, providing accountability for public investment in research.

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. The outcomes from REF assessments are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.

Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, the four UK higher education funding bodies have announced:

Professor Kay Cooper as a member of Sub panel 3: Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
Professor Linda Lawton as a member of Sub Panel 7: Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Professor Maria Martinez Sanchezas a member of Sub panel 13: Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.

Each panel member will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research.

Prof Nick Fyfe, Vice Principle for Research and Regional Engagement, said: “I am delighted that Kay, Linda and Maria have been selected to be panel members for REF.  The recruitment process to panels is highly competitive so their selection is a real mark of the strength of their research profile and the esteem they are held in by their peers across the UK.   It is also great for RGU to be seen to be playing its part in contributing to the assessment of research through the REF process.”

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.”

This year, 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.

See the full list of panel members: https://2029.ref.ac.uk/panels/main-and-sub-panels/main-panel-c/

Main image: Professor Linda Lawton.