We invite expressions of interest in joining a small Medr panel to review Welsh universities’ REF Codes of Practice.  

Codes of Practice (CoP) are a condition of participation in REF 2029. They outline how universities will make key decisions about their submission to embed transparency, robustness and equity and inclusion. In Wales CoPs must approved by Medr (Wales’ Commission for Tertiary Education and Research), one of the four funders of REF 2029. 

This approval will include consideration by a panel of external experts, chaired by Medr’s Research and Innovation Committee (RIC) Chair, Professor David Sweeney. Medr have asked the Learned Society of Wales to nominate a suitable expert from its Fellowship to join this panel. We are therefore seeking Expressions of Interest from Fellows who are interested in this role (more information below) and meet the following criteria:  

The role

To review and provide external scrutiny of the Welsh universities’ REF 2029 CoPs, following internal review and recommendation from Medr staff. The panel is expected to comprise: David Sweeney (Chair) a Medr RIC Member and an LSW fellow with expertise on REF.  

REF 2029 CoPs will be reviewed in two “windows” resulting in the panel meeting for approx. 2 hours twice in 2026: late April and July. Panel members will be expected to commit 0.5 day preparation time per meeting, although it is anticipated that a larger proportion of CoPs will be reviewed during the second meeting in July.  

We are looking for a Fellow who:  

• Has experience of the Research Excellence Framework management and/or assessment, e.g. past REF panel member.  

• Is not currently employed by a Welsh university (Emeritus status is acceptable).  

• Has no conflict of interest via a significant connection to senior leadership in Welsh universities or other staff involved in preparing the CoP.  

Medr staff are happy to provide briefings in advance of the panel meeting and/or answer any questions regarding the role and the 2029 REF process.  

If you are interested in this role please submit your expression of interest to lsw@wales.ac.uk by Fri 20 March with the subject line “REF CoP Review Panel EoI”, including your CV and a short statement (max 200 words) summarising your suitability. If you would like to speak to someone before submitting an EOI please contact lsw@wales.ac.uk who can put you in touch with relevant Medr staff.