Triple REF 2029 panel appointments highlight Wolverhampton’s research excellence and diversity

The University of Wolverhampton is proud to announce that three of its academic and professional staff have been appointed to panels for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029. These prestigious appointments underscore the University’s growing national influence, commitment to research excellence, and leadership in promoting inclusive and impactful scholarship.

Spanning three distinct REF panels, the appointments reflect the University’s interdisciplinary strengths and its dedication to nurturing talent across all career stages, from emerging researchers to senior academics and strategic leaders. They also reflect Wolverhampton’s core values of inclusion, innovation, and impact in research.

Adam Vasco, Director of Student Success at the University of Wolverhampton, has been appointed to the People and Diversity Advisory Panel for REF 2029. This panel plays a vital role in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) throughout the REF process, from the development of guidance to the assessment of research environments.

Adam brings a wealth of experience in advancing inclusive education and promoting a sense of belonging among underrepresented student communities. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping institutional strategies that promote student equity, success, and progression, particularly for those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.

His appointment aligns closely with the University’s strategic focus on embedding EDI across all areas of academic and institutional practice.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a panel that champions equity and inclusion in research. I’m proud to represent the University and contribute to shaping a more diverse and representative research culture across the UK,” said Adam.

Professor Andy Lane, a sport psychologist and internationally recognised researcher, has been appointed to Main Panel C for REF 2029, which covers Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Lane is renowned for his pioneering work in emotion regulation, performance enhancement, and applied sport science.

As a member of Main Panel C, Professor Lane will play a key role in evaluating the quality of research submitted by UK higher education institutions. His expertise will help ensure that assessments are based on rigour, originality, and impact, shaping the future direction of research in these dynamic and interdisciplinary fields. 

As Head of Research in the School of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Lane has led numerous high-impact projects and mentored emerging scholars in sport and health sciences. His appointment reflects his standing in the academic community and his commitment to advancing excellence in research. 

“I’m honoured to contribute to the REF 2029 process and look forward to engaging with the panel and learning from outstanding scholarship,” said Andy. 

Zakiyyah Ahmed, PhD researcher and Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, has been appointed to Sub-panel 2 under Main Panel A: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on social inclusion, health inequalities, and community advocacy, bringing an applied and interdisciplinary perspective to the panel’s work. 

Zakiyyah’s appointment is particularly notable as she represents early-career researchers and voices from underrepresented communities. Her selection is a rare and commendable achievement, reflecting her exceptional contributions to research and advocacy at this stage in her academic journey. 

“I’m honoured to be part of the REF 2029 sub-panel. As a PhD researcher, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a process that defines academic research excellence across the UK,” said Zakiyyah. 

Professor Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Director of Studies for Zakiyyah’s PhD, added: “I am extremely proud of Zakiyyah. This is testimony to her hard work and dedication in addressing societal issues through her research.” 

Professor Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, commented: “These appointments are a testament to the calibre of our academic and professional staff and their influence on the national research landscape. I’m incredibly proud to see colleagues from Wolverhampton contributing to the REF 2029 process, helping to ensure it is rigorous, inclusive, and forward-looking.”

ENDS

About REF 2029 

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s national system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. It evaluates research outputs, impact, and environment to inform the distribution of public research funding, ensure accountability for public investment, and benchmark the performance of UK universities. The outcomes help shape national research priorities and drive excellence across disciplines.

 For more information about REF 2029, visit www.ref.ac.uk.