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UK research quality to be evaluated by Reading experts

05 September 2025

Gold University of Reading crest on a gate, with trees in the background

Eleven University of Reading academics have been selected to serve on expert panels for REF2029.

 

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK's system for evaluating research quality across higher education institutions, with its findings determining the distribution of approximately £2 billion in annual public research funding.

 

Following previous assessments in 2014 and 2021, panel members have now been chosen for the 34 specialist sub-panels that will conduct the research evaluation for REF 2029. The University of Reading's 11 appointed experts will play crucial roles in ensuring accountability for public investment in UK research across a diverse range of academic disciplines.

 

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation, said: "Having eleven of our academics selected for REF2029 panels is a testament to the University of Reading's world-leading expertise across multiple research disciplines. 

 

“These appointments reflect the breadth and quality of our expertise, from arts, science, social science and business. Our experts will bring decades of research excellence to help shape the future of UK higher education funding.”

 

The experts selected are: 

 

  • Professor Benjamin Laker (Henley Business School). Sub-panel member, Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care 

  • Professor Deepa Senapathi (Sustainable Land Management). Sub-panel member, Biological Sciences 

  • Professor Carol Wagstaff (Food and Nutritional Sciences). Sub-panel deputy chair, Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science 

  • Professor Dimitris Charalampopoulos (Food and Nutritional Sciences). Sub-panel member, Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science 

  • Dr Tetyana Korin (Microbiology). Sub-panel member, Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science 

  • Dr Florence Phua (Construction Management and Engineering). Sub-panel member, Architecture, Built Environment and Planning  

  • Professor Gavin Parker (Henley Business School). Sub-panel member, Architecture, Built Environment and Planning  

  • Professor Mary Lewis (Archaeology). Sub-panel member, Archaeology  

  • Professor Uma Kambhampati (Economics). Sub-panel member, Anthropology and Development Studies

  • Professor Gail Marshall (English Literature). Sub-panel member, English Language and Literature 

  • Professor Gerry Leonidas. Sub-panel member, Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory  

 

 

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