REF Eligibility and Appeals
REF2021REF2021 Eligibility Review Group membership
The dedicated REF Eligibility Review Group oversees the review of Independent Researcher forms and using the information provided will inform individuals of their eligibility/ineligibility for the REF2021 submission.
The Eligibility Review Group is an independent group representing all of the colleges at the University of Exeter. It is guided only by Research England's instructions, and not by outputs or any other influences. Any information disclosed will only be seen by the REF Eligibility Review Group. The REF Eligibility Review Group meets periodically and consists of the following members:
- Linda Peka (Chair) – Deputy Registrar, Chair of the University Inclusivity Group
- Professor Andrew McRae – Dean of the Doctoral College
- Dorcas Cowan – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
- Andrew Johnson – Assistant Director (HR Policy & Reward)
- Professor Annette Broderick – Academic Member
- Professor Laura Salisbury – Academic Member
- Professor Obi Ukoumunne – Academic Member
- Professor Pete Vukusic – Academic Member
- Drs Astrid Wissenburg - Director of Research Services
- Professor Nina Wedell (member of Panels C and D only)
Eligibility Review Group Secretariat:
- Kerry Hope - Deputy REF Manager
- Dr Ruth Cooper - REF Policy Officer (Individual Circumstances)
- Dr Sumi David - Head of Research and Impact (Policy & Performance)/REF Manager
REF2021Appeals
The decisions of the REF Eligibility Review Group can be appealed if there has been a failure to follow the policies and/or procedures for determining researcher independence (found in the Code of Practice), or if there has been a failure to comply with the University’s legal responsibilities.
If you wish to appeal an eligibility decision made by the Eligibility Review Group, please refer to the REF Code of Practice. Appeals on the grounds of disagreement with the decision of the Eligibility Review Group, or on the basis of insufficient evidence having being submitted when the request was first put forward are not permitted. Appeals are also excluded from this process if they involve a matter which is currently subject to litigation or legal proceedings; if the matter has previously been through the appeals procedure in line with this policy and has been closed; or if appeals are made by staff with a role capable of determining the shape of a submission.
Appeals should be made in writing to REF-2021-Appeals@exeter.ac.uk by 31st October 2020.