CPC-CG researchers appointed to REF 2029 Social Sciences sub-panels

Two senior members of the ESRC Centre for Population Change and Connecting Generations team have been appointed to key roles for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, strengthening the Centre’s contribution to national research excellence.

Professor Jackie Wahba OBE, Professor of Economics at the University of Southampton, has joined Sub-panel 16: Economics and Econometrics. Professor Athina Vlachantoni, Professor of Gerontology and Social Policy at the University of Southampton, has been appointed to Sub-panel 20: Social Work and Social Policy. Both sub-panels sit under Main Panel C: Social Sciences, which is chaired by CPC-CG Director Professor Jane Falkingham CBE.

Their appointments follow a rigorous and open recruitment process. Panel members have been selected across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs), drawing from a wide and highly qualified pool of candidates. These appointments mark the start of the criteria-setting phase, which will shape the detailed assessment framework for REF 2029 once the overall structure is finalised.

The panel structure reflects the breadth of UK research, including voices from academia, policy, industry and the third sector. It also includes technical staff, librarians and other research support professionals. A number of panellists are continuing their involvement from the REF’s People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot, bringing insight from that work into the main exercise. Some sub-panels have appointed members to serve across UoAs to support interdisciplinary working.

This is the first time panel members have been appointed through open application rather than nomination, part of a wider effort to broaden participation and ensure panels reflect the full range of research communities. The process included an optional diversity survey to assess representation across the panels, with findings due to be published in 2026. The REF team plans further targeted recruitment in 2027 to address any gaps in expertise or capacity ahead of the assessment phase.

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.”

The Research Excellence Framework is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in higher education. It is based on expert review by sub-panels under the oversight of four main panels. REF 2029 will evaluate outputs, impact and research environment across the UK sector. The process is coordinated by the REF team, supported by two advisory bodies: the People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP) and the Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP).

More information about the REF 2029 panel members and the appointment process is available on the REF website.

Posted 09/09/2025 09:42