Northumbria Professor takes national REF role

Northumbria University’s Professor Glyn Howatson has been appointed deputy chair of the sport and exercise sciences, leisure and tourism panel in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

The REF is used to assess research quality across UK universities and determines how £2 billion in public funding is allocated. 

Professor Howatson will help lead Unit of Assessment 24 through criteria setting and final evaluation.

A specialist in exercise physiology and former REF 2021 panel member, he joined academia after a career in the army.

Professor Howatson said: “I was a previous panel member during the last REF assessment in 2021 and found the process extremely rewarding. 

“This particular unit of assessment is very diverse, and working alongside people from different institutions and from a wide variety of disciplines is a stimulating, challenging, but always rewarding process. 

“It is fair to say that all panel members have a sense of pride and a feeling of doing something of value to the wider community.

“This time I wanted to contribute even further which is why I put myself forward for a leadership role. 

“REF is so important in setting key benchmarks in academic research and providing accountability for the public in how research funding is spent, and I’m really looking forward to representing Northumbria and the wider discipline in the process.”

Northumbria University is one of only seven modern universities with REF 2029 panel chair or deputy chair roles, highlighting its rise as a research-intensive institution.

Professor Louise Bracken, pro vice-chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at Northumbria University, added: “This is fantastic recognition for Glyn and underlines his standing in his field of research. 

“Glyn played a full and active role as a panel member in REF 2021 and it’s exciting that he will step up to be the deputy chair for UoA 24 in REF 2029.”

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