College of Arts & Humanities news

Four UofG academics, two from the College of Arts & Humanities, have been confirmed as Panellists for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) People, Culture and Environment pilot.

Professor Nick Fells, Professor of Sonic Practice, based at the School of Culture & Creative Arts and Dr Kirstie Wild, the College's Head of Research and Operations Strategy will contribute their expertise and experience to shape this important aspect of REF.

They have been appointed to the PCE pilot UoA panels as follows:

• Professor Fells, Professor of Sonic Practice, Music (UoA 33 - Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies)
• Dr Wild, Head of Research and Operations Strategy (UoA 28 - History)

REF 2029 will deliver an expanded definition of research excellence, recognising the wide range of research, roles, and people that are essential to the vitality of the UK’s vibrant research system.

A key part of this expanded definition is the development of the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element. The PCE pilot exercise aims to use the findings from the PCE indicators project to explore the practicality of submission and assessment of various elements of PCE. This assessment will be carried out by the PCE pilot panels.

Professor Fells said: “I am very pleased to be working with colleagues to help ensure REF reflects both the strengths and challenges of research culture in the sector, helping to focus on building inclusive, equitable and positive workplaces for the future.”

Dr Wild said: “Having been involved in the development of the College of Arts & Humanities Environment statements in the last REF and then working first hand to nurture our own research ecology I am very much looking forward to being able to contribute to the PCE component of the next REF through the upcoming pilot.”

In the pilot, a broad sample of 40 HEIs will produce submissions for assessment in a selection of REF Units of Assessment (UoAs). These submissions will be assessed by eight UoA-level pilot panels, with institutional-level submissions examined by a separate panel. This institutional-level panel will be comprised of the UoA co-chairs, and chaired by Professor Chris Day, CBE, who chaired the REF 2021 Environment Panel.

The PCE pilot exercise will be overseen by the REF Steering Group and will run alongside the ongoing PCE indicators project. The REF 2029 advisory panels will also be engaged to provide expert advice.
The experience and feedback of the panels will be included in the final pilot report, which will inform the REF 2029 guidance on PCE. Please see the PCE timetable for more information.

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First published: 6 December 2024