These appointments showcase the breadth and excellence of talent we have at King’s. I am thrilled to see such diversity represented across the panels, I know their expertise will make a significant contribution to the success of REF2029.”
Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi, Vice President (Research & Innovation) at King’s
04 September 2025
King's broad expertise shines through with REF 2029 panel appointments
Experts representing a variety of subject areas across the university have been selected to help shape the Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2029.
Ten members of the King’s community have been named as panel members for REF 2029, where they will use their expertise and knowledge to assess the quality of research from UK higher education providers (HEIs) spanning a range of disciplines.
Undertaken every six or seven years, the REF is the UK’s system for evaluating the impact of research conducted at HEIs and is used to help allocate around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research.
For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates.
Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been chosen to work across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs).
I would like to extend my congratulations to each of our colleagues who have been appointed - their selection highlights the breadth of talent within our community, and I am confident they will bring fresh insights and thoughtful leadership to REF 2029.”
Professor Maddy Parsons, Dean of Research Excellence Frameworks and Academic Lead for REF at King’s
The King’s colleagues appointed to the REF 2029 panels for the UoAs are as follows:
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Professor Andrea Cornwall (Anthropology and Development Studies)
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Professor Barbara Shollock (Engineering)
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Professor Cathy McIlwaine (Chair of the Geography UoA - as announced earlier this year)
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Professor Denise Hawkes (Economics and Econometrics)
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Professor Laura Spence (Business and Management Studies)
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Dr Natalie Wall (Professional Services member of the REF, Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) & Research Impact Team, Research Management and Innovation Directorate (RMID))
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Professor Maribel Fernandez (Deputy Chair of the Computer Science and Informatics UoA)
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Professor Peter John (Politics and International Studies)
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Professor Sharon Gewirtz (Education)
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Dr Wing Fai Leung (Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management)
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.”
Rebecca Fairbairn, REF Director
In this story
Professor of Engineering
Vice-Dean (People & Planning)
Professor in Economics Education
Professor of Business Ethics & Sustainability
Head of the School of Politics and Economics and Professor of Public Policy
Professor of Global Development & Anthropology
Professor of Education
Vice Dean (Research), Faculty of Social Sciences and Public Policy
Reader in Cultural and Media Industries
Research Impact Lead (Social Sciences)