The researchers will serve on the UK expert panels that will deliver and assess the next Research Excellence Framework (REF), the UK’s most important measure of research quality.

The REF assesses the quality of UK university research and informs the allocation of around £2 billion per year in public funding, with the process yielding significant influence over the future direction of UK research.

The appointments, announced today by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), recognise the exceptional expertise, leadership and standing of Queen’s researchers across a broad range of disciplines.

Expert academic panel members are appointed through a rigorous and competitive process, selected from across the UK to ensure the quality, fairness and credibility of the assessment. They are individuals operating at the forefront of their fields and who carry the confidence of their peers throughout the UK.

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Queen’s. REF panel membership is one of the most prestigious forms of academic recognition in the UK, and the fact that so many of our colleagues have been appointed at once speaks volumes about the depth and breadth of our research excellence.

“These individuals will play a crucial role in shaping the UK’s research landscape, and their appointments are a clear reflection of Queen’s standing as a global centre for world-leading research.”

The Queen’s academics appointed are:

· Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy – Professor Carmel Hughes (Deputy Chair)

· Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience – Professor Teresa McCormack

· Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences – Professor Aedin Cassidy, Professor Chris Creevy, and Professor Sharon Huws

· Chemistry – Professor Peter Robertson

· Computer Science and Informatics – Professor Hans Vandierendonck

· Engineering – Professor Sean McLoone and Professor Adrian Murphy

· Architecture, Built Environment and Planning – Professor Geraint Ellis

· Archaeology – Professor Audrey Horning

· Business and Management Studies– Professor John Turner

· Law – Professor Kieran McEvoy

· Politics and International Studies – Professor John Garry

· Social Work and Social Policy – Professor Karen Winter

· Education – Professor Allen Thurston

· Area Studies - Professor Alfredo Saad Filho

· Modern Languages and Linguistics – Professor Isabel Torries

· History – Professor Paul Corthorn

· English Language and Literature –  Professor Alex Murray

· Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies – Professor Stefano Baschiera

Media

Media inquiries to Sian Devlin at s.devlin@qub.ac.uk