Warwick economist to play key role in REF 2029

Warwick economist to play key role in REF 2029

Professor Francesco Squintani has been appointed to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 Econometrics and Economics sub-panel following an open recruitment process which searched for academics able to command the respect of their research peers and the wider academic community.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for evaluating the quality of research across the university sector and other higher education providers (HEIs). REF scores are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of research funding.

Professor Squintani is one of 17 Warwick researchersLink opens in a new window appointed to the REF’s Main panels and Sub-panels. Main panels will offer expert guidance on the REF process as a whole, while sub-panel members will be responsible for developing discipline-specific assessment criteria, defining how quality will be judged, and evaluating the submissions within their field.

Professor Squintani said:

“I am deeply honoured that I have been entrusted with this task. The REF is the most advanced national research ranking exercise worldwide. Several studies have shown a large positive impact of the REF on the quality of UK academic research, and higher education more broadly. It is one of the essential components of UK academia that makes the UK a major worldwide powerhouse in tertiary education.”

Head of the Department of Economics Professor Jeremy Smith said:

“We are delighted that Professor Squintani has been appointed to the REF 2029 sub-panel. His deep expertise and commitment to research excellence make him an ideal contributor to this important national process.

“His appointment also reflects the strength and reputation of Warwick Economics - Francesco becomes the fourth member of the Department appointed to REF sub-panels over the last 3 cycles, following in the footsteps of Nick Crafts, Ben Lockwood and Bishu Gupta.”

Commenting on the appointments, REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said:

“It’s been inspiring to see the depth, strength, and commitment of the UK’s research community, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming the new panel members to the team.”

• Read more about the REF 2029 Panels: https://2029.ref.ac.uk/panels/