Academic to chair prestigious sub-panel examining UK academic excellence

Professor Qiang Shen

An Aberystwyth University academic has been appointed to chair an expert sub-panel that will assess research excellence in the UK higher education sector.

Professor Qiang Shen, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences, will chair the Computer Science and Informatics sub-panel of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

REF plays a vital role in the UK higher education sector. Sub-panels assess the quality of research across 34 different subject areas. The outcome of the REF is used to determine the yearly allocation of public funding worth £2 billion for research at universities.

It is the third time Professor Shen has had an important role in the REF, serving as a sub-panel member in both REF2021 and REF2014.

Professor Shen said:

"I am honoured to be chosen for this role, which underlines the pedigree of the world class research that we have at Aberystwyth University.

"It is clear how important artificial intelligence, computer science and informatics are to all aspects of our lives, influencing our healthcare, how we work and how our society operates.

"The REF is an indicator of the UK's reputation for world-leading research. I look forward to working with colleagues at scrutinising the best research that the UK has to offer."

Professor Angela Hatton, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, said:

"We are delighted and proud that Professor Shen has been selected for such important work. His involvement in the REF process is not only an endorsement of his own pioneering work in this field, but also underlines the quality of our research here at Aberystwyth University.

"Our excellence in research has inspired generations of people from all over the world to change lives for the better: growing knowledge, building communities and strengthening Wales and the wider world. Our academics push the boundaries of innovation and knowledge - nurturing and sharing ideas and expertise that benefit people, the planet and the richness of cultural life. They are innovators in healthcare, robotics, space technology, food production and much more, with our work in parasitology winning the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize last year. That heritage will serve Professor Shen well in judging the very best that the UK academic research sector has to offer."

REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said:

"I’m delighted to welcome this outstanding group to lead the REF 2029 sub-panels. Their deep expertise and broad perspectives will be central to building an assessment process that is fair, rigorous, and trusted by the research community. We have been working in partnership with the sector throughout this process, and I’m grateful to everyone who expressed interest – your engagement is what strengthens the credibility and value of the REF across our research landscape."

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