The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system that assesses UK university research and informs the allocation of £2-billion-a-year in public funding.

Chairs and deputy chairs of the 34 REF 2029 expert sub-panels were recently announced, having been appointed by the four UK higher education funding bodies in conjunction with REF main panel chairs and advisory panel members.

Professor Smith is one of three University of Bristol academics to be named in these important roles. She will now work with Deputy Chair, Professor Brit Grosskopf (University of Exeter) to appoint the rest of the Economics and Econometrics sub-panel, and lead it through the rest of the REF process from now until the final assessment in 2029.

Prof. Smith said: “UK economics is highly respected and impactful globally. REF plays an essential role in recognising the quality and impact of research and research environments and in ensuring that public funding is appropriately directed to support excellence.

“After being Deputy Chair for REF 2021, I am honoured to have been appointed to this role, and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that economics and econometrics research is fairly assessed for 2029."

Professor Paola Manzini, Head of School of Economics at Bristol, added: “Congratulations to Sarah on this prestigious appointment. Her wealth of knowledge and experience will be of huge benefit to the work of REF 2029.

“To be amongst the select group of academics chosen shows the respect Sarah commands right across the Higher Education sector and beyond. We are lucky to have someone of her standing as part of the School of Economics here in Bristol.”