The recently-published Stern Review of the Research Excellence Framework is likely to be a document of significant influence given the sums of money riding on exercise, and the role that it plays in shaping institutional behaviour and strategy. The development of the next REF will likely be heavily informed by Nick Stern’s work on the review, and although he’s not won unanimous praise for the report, he has received significant kudos for moving on the conversation without pouring too much gas on the fires of research policy.
As an LSE Professor, expert on climate change economics, President of the British Academy and a peer, Stern has significant personal influence and high-level connections. He’s not known for having an easy manner, but he’s clearly a force to be reckoned with.