Recruitment of expert panel members for the Research Excellence Framework 2021

The BES is one of the organisations that has been invited to nominate additional candidates for panel membership in the next REF.

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The exercise is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies and was first carried out in 2014, replacing the previous Research Assessment Exercise. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by expert panels for each of the 34 subject-based units of assessment, under the guidance of four main panels.

The REF is now seeking nominations from the BES for suitable suitable individuals to any panel where they meet an identified need, details of which can be found here. All panels would particularly welcome nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups, and details of any specific groups for which nominations are sought for each panel can be found in this document.  The REF has particularly highlighted Sub-Panel 14: Geography and Environmental Studies where they believe the BES may be able to help with nominating candidates in the following areas:

• Member: Biogeography, ecology, (potentially higher latitude specialisms)

Nominations of candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, institution types and geographical regions are being sought. The REF particularly welcomes nominations of candidates from groups previously under-represented on assessment panels, including women, people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and disabled people.

Full information on REF and the roles of panels can be found here and prospective candidates are strongly recommended to read Annex A, which details the provisional timetable and workload for panel members.

If you wish to be considered for nomination by the BES you must complete the BES nominations form and return it to the BES no later than noon on 8 April 2020.  The form should be emailed to Dr Hazel Norman with the subject title “REF 2021 Nomination (insert nominee name)”.

Nominations will be considered by a selection committee using the following criteria:

• evidence of conducting leading research in ecology (for example, key academic appointments or achievements);
• other indicators of standing in the academic community (for example, editorial posts or chair positions for subject bodies) or professional community;
• relevant experience of research management or commissioning, using or benefitting from research;
• relevant experience of leading, managing or practising interdisciplinary research;
• relevant experience of peer review, research quality standards, or of evaluating the impact, benefits or quality of research.

Candidates will be informed by 17 April if they have selected for nomination by the BES and the BES will nominate successful candidates to the REF.  Candidates will be informed directly by the REF shortly afterwards if they have been appointed.

Deadline for nominations to be submitted to the BES: 8 April 2020, noon

REF 2021 Nominations Form