Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, has been appointed to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 Institutional Environment Pilot Panel.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research at higher education institutions. The REF evaluates academic research in higher education, demonstrates accountability for public investment in research, and provides an evidence base for informing strategic decisions about research priorities across institutions.

The Environment Panel is chaired by Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University. It consists of 18 members including research leaders, those involved with senior research management, and those with expertise in the use and benefits of research. The panel reflects a broad spectrum of research expertise, and diverse types and sizes of higher education institutions.

The Environment Panel is a new approach driven by the REF 2021 to assess academic research environments at institution-level. The panel will pilot the feasibility of institution-level academic research evaluation, rather than departmental assessments, based on institution-wide case studies and statements. The study highlights research strategy in terms of engagement and wider impact of research, staff development, the availability and quality of support for postgraduate research students, and collaboration across and outside of academia.

Professor Ormerod commented:

"The introduction of an institutional-level research environment assessment in the Research Excellence Framework was a key recommendation of Lord Stern's review of the REF, and I am delighted to have been appointed to the new REF Environment Panel. Keele University is a relatively small, research-led institution committed to excellence in research and education, and it is very good to see a range of UK HEIs and disciplines represented on this important REF panel."