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Five Manchester colleagues appointed to REF pilot panels

06 Dec 2024

Our staff to help deliver an expanded definition of research excellence – recognising the wide range of research, roles and people – as part of Research Excellence Framework People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panels.

The University of Manchester

Five Manchester staff have been appointed to Research Excellence Framework People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot panels. 

The panels will support REF 2029 to deliver an expanded definition of research excellence, recognising the wide range of research, roles, and people that are essential to the vitality of the UK’s vibrant research system. 

Our panel members are: 

  • Anne-Marie Glenny, Professor of Health Sciences, for Unit of Assessment 3 – Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy; 
  • Rachel Cowen, Professor of Inclusive Researcher and Academic Development, for Unit of Assessment 5 – Biological Sciences; 
  • Cathal Rogers, Research Culture and Assessment Manager, Unit of Assessment 17 – Business and Management Studies; 
  • Maggie Gale, Vice-Dean Research, Humanities and Chair in Drama, for Unit of Assessment 28 – History; 
  • Kate Dorney, Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Performance, for Unit of Assessment 33 – Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies. 

This is in addition to the appointment of Professor Toni Haastrup to the REF People and Diversity Advisory Panel of the Research Excellence Framework. 

Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan said: “I am delighted that six of our research community colleagues are playing a vital role in the development of REF 2029, our national research excellence framework. Anne-Marie, Rachel, Cathal, Maggie, Kate and Toni will contribute a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to building a vibrant research community that will inform the design and delivery of the REF 2029 assessment for the sector. 

“People, Culture and Environment refers to a collective sector ambition to ensure our research community thrives and collaborates in ambitious, inclusive and resourced teams. The UK research and innovation system produces immense economic, health, cultural and social benefits for our world. This new focus in REF 2029 recognises that success rests not just on what we research but also how we do it. 

“The University of Manchester was recognised for our excellent research environment in the last REF and we are committed to continual improvement through our Research Culture and Environment strategic framework to enable all our research community to contribute their very best to our shared goals for producing world class research and innovation.” 

Further information

The development of the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element is a key part of REF 2029’s expanded definition of research excellence. 

Announced in January 2024, the PCE pilot exercise aims to use the findings from the PCE indicators project to explore the practicality of submission and assessment of various elements of PCE. This assessment will be carried out by the PCE pilot panels. 

To find out more, visit: 

To find out more about research culture and environment here at Manchester, visit: