Patricia Owens appointed as new panel member for REF 2029

DPIR’s Professor of International Relations Patricia Owens has been named as one of the latest panel members for REF 2029 for Politics and International Studies.

For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, aimed at reducing barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

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

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Owens said: 

“I’m honoured to be on the REF panel assessing research in the methodologically eclectic, theoretically rich, and epistemologically unruly fields of Politics and International Studies.

“I see this as an opportunity to recognise great research in all its forms and nudge the sector in a healthier direction. I’m especially encouraged by the stronger emphasis on interdisciplinarity. 

“It’s a multi-year commitment running through to the submission and assessment of the 2029 exercise, involving a great deal of reading, reviewing, and collective discussion to ensure that the assessment is fair, inclusive, and reflective of the full richness of the field". 

Reflecting on the recruitment 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.”