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Professor Fiona Matthews appointed as a Deputy Chair of the REF Research Diversity Advisory Panel

We are delighted to announce that Professor Fiona Matthews, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Hull, has been appointed as a Deputy Chair of the Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP) for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

Through this prestigious national appointment, Professor Matthews will play a key role in developing strategies to support the equitable recognition of diverse forms of research within the development, delivery and assessment of REF 2029.

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers. The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.

Professor Matthews said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Deputy Chair of the Research Diversity Advisory Panel for the REF 2029.

“Recognising and valuing diverse forms of research is something we champion here at the University of Hull, and I’m proud to be able to make a significant contribution to ensuring the REF 2029 assessment is inclusive, representative and rigorous. This in turn helps to set the tone for what we want the UK research landscape to look like, driving improvements in our research culture as well as its impact and quality.”

Recognising and valuing diverse forms of research is something we champion here at the University of Hull, and I’m proud to be able to make a significant contribution to ensuring the REF 2029 assessment is inclusive, representative and rigorous.

Professor Fiona Matthews

Alongside the People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP), the RDAP will advise the REF Steering Group on the development and delivery of the exercise, acting as critical friends; advise on the development of REF 2029 assessment criteria and the delivery of the assessment; and contribute to the REF 2029 assessment process.

More information on the work of the advisory panels and a full list of members is available on the REF 2029 website.

About Professor Fiona Matthews
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Hull, Professor Matthews is responsible for development of research and enterprise across the University, ensuring that development of research excellence is undertaken within an environment that provides a supportive research culture.

Professor Matthews has held a number of roles within UKRI funding panels, including chair of ESRC Grant Assessment Panel and deputy chair of MRC Skills Development Fellowships, and is currently on the UK Future Leadership Scheme Panel.

Read Professor Matthews’ staff profile online.

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