The REF is conducted on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies. These bodies are committed to supporting and promoting the fair and equitable assessment of all research submitted to the assessment exercise.
The Interdisciplinary Research Advisory Panel (IDAP) has been established to advise the REF team, REF panel chairs and the UK funding bodies on the approach to support the submission and assessment of interdisciplinary research in the REF. The panel will advise on whether it should have a specific role in the submissions and assessment phase of the next REF in summer 2018, following the completion of its initial work.
Professor Dame Athene Donald, who is Master of Churchill College Cambridge and a Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge, has been appointed as Chair of IDAP. Her research is inherently interdisciplinary and sits at the interface of physics with biology. Professor Donald has extensive experience with research assessment, being previously a member of the physics panel in the impact pilot exercise for REF2014, a member of the physics sub-panel in the 2008 RAE and a special adviser to the Allied Health Professions and Studies sub-panel (RAE2008). Athene is also a member of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council and a former Trustee of the Science Museum.
IDAP includes members from across the UK. Members were appointed following a nominations process, and include experienced researchers with extensive interdisciplinary and research assessment experience. A number of them have been actively engaged in recent interdisciplinary research policy research undertaken by HEFCE, Research Councils UK and the British Academy. A list of IDAP's members can be found here.
Dr Kim Hackett, REF manager, said:
‘We are delighted to announce Athene as Chair of IDAP and the full membership of the panel, that collectively bring a wealth of knowledge and experience about interdisciplinary research from across the UK. We look forward to working with the group to support the submission and ensure fair and equitable assessment of interdisciplinary research during the next REF.’
Professor Dame Athene Donald said:
‘I am pleased and excited to be chairing the REF’s first group specifically addressing this critically important area. I look forward to working with the panel to ensure that interdisciplinary research is considered effectively in all stages of the REF planning.’