A number of opportunities are available for sub-panel chairs for the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Applications are invited now, with a closing date of 11 October 2017.
This is an opportunity to get involved in implementing the UK’s world-leading system for assessing the excellence of research in higher education institutions, undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. Applications are invited from people with successful senior-level experience in conducting, leading or commissioning research. We are looking for applicants who will command the confidence of key stakeholders, who have experience of peer review and research quality standards and of chairing and leading groups to achieve consensus.
The REF assessment structure consists of four main panels which provide guidance and leadership, and 34 sub-panels. The sub-panel chairs will play a key role in the exercise by leading their sub-panel’s assessment of submissions, including recommending panel membership, and ensuring the sub-panel’s contribution to the panel criteria and adherence to the criteria and assessment standards.
The duration of these assignments is from 2018 to 2021; in total we anticipate sub-panel chairs to be involved in approximately 30 to 40 days of meetings throughout the exercise.
Sub-panel chairs receive fees to be paid at regular intervals, together with travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed.
The funding bodies recognise that diversity of thought and experience contributes fundamental insight and value to the work of the REF panels, and that this comes not only from academic achievement but also from other aspects of panel members’ lives. Applications are therefore encouraged from diverse candidates, in particular from women, people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities, as well as international applicants. The application process requires letters of endorsement from subject associations or other organisations.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 October 2017.
Further information and details of how to apply can be found here