Eight Leicester academics appointed to Research Excellence Framework 2029 roles

Research England has appointed eight academics from the University of Leicester to serve as expert panellists in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF2029).

In May 2025, Professor Samuel Seidu was appointed as Chair of subpanel UoA 2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. Research England has now published details of further panel appointments for both the criteria setting and assessment phases.

We are very pleased to announce the full list of staff who have been appointed:

• Professor Samuel Seidu (School of Medical Sciences): Panel Chair for sub-panel UoA 2 Public Health & Primary Care (criteria setting & assessment phases)
• Professor Louise Wain (School of Medical Sciences): – Panel Member, sub-panel UoA 5 Biological Sciences (criteria setting & assessment phases)
• Professor Pat Heslop-Harrison (School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences): Panel member for sub-panel UoA 6 Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science (criteria setting & assessment phases)
• Dr Laura Basell (School of Heritage & Culture): Panel member for sub-panel UoA 15 Archaeology (criteria setting & assessment phases)
• Professor Lorenzo Trapani (School of Economics): Panel member for sub-panel UoA 16 Economics & Econometrics (assessment phase)
• Professor Katja Ziegler (School of Law): Panel member for sub-panel UoA 18 Law (assessment phase)
• Professor Martin Halliwell (School of Arts, Media & Communication): Panel member for sub-panel UoA 25 Area Studies (assessment phase)
• Professor Rosemary Sweet (School of History, Politics and International Relations): Panel Member for sub-panel UoA 28 History (assessment phase).

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the excellence of research amongst UK higher education providers (HEIs). The 34 subject-based expert panels comprise leading subject specialists who use their expertise and knowledge to shape the REF2029 exercise and assess the excellence of disciplinary submissions from universities across the UK.

Professor Richard Thomas, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all those appointed to serve on the REF2029 panels. This recognition is a clear testament to their world-leading expertise and the significant contributions they continue to make within their respective fields. 

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “I’m thrilled to see so many of our academics appointed to the REF2029 panels. Their selection evidences the exceptional quality, impact, and reputation of their research. Being part of this distinguished group of REF assessors not only highlights the outstanding contributions of our colleagues, but also provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the REF process – benefiting both the University and the wider academic community in the future.”