SAS Directors Katherine Harloe and Claire Langhamer appointed to key REF posts

Director of the Institute of Classical Studies, Professor Harloe has been appointed to chair the REF 2029 Classics expert sub-panel, while Professor Langhamer, Director of the Institute of Historical Research has been appointed Deputy Chair of the expert History sub-panel. 

As the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) plays a crucial role in determining the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. The REF is a process of expert review, carried out by sub-panels focused on subject-based units of assessment (UoAs), under the guidance of overarching main panels and advisory panels.

Professor Harloe said:

I am honoured to be appointed as chair of the Classics subpanel (29) for REF 2029, following my previous contribution as a subpanel member and interdisciplinary advisor in REF 2021. I am acutely conscious of the responsibility involved in conducting the assessment, especially at a time of great stress across our sector, of the high stakes of outcomes for institutions and units, and of the importance of the process of expert review. I look forward to working with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to ensure the integrity of the exercise.

Professor Langhamer said:

History is an extraordinarily dynamic, creative, and impactful discipline. The history-making that happens within, and well beyond, university departments is a real social good. Working with REF means thinking with colleagues about why History matters - and I am delighted to be involved.

REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: 

I'm delighted to welcome this outstanding group to lead the REF 2029 sub-panels. Their deep expertise and broad perspectives will be central to building an assessment process that is fair, rigorous, and trusted by the research community. 

View the full list on the REF website.