REF appoints Professor John Wilson to expert panel
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) has appointed Professor John Wilson, Professor of Banking and Finance and Head of the Department of Finance at the University of St Andrews Business School, to Sub-panel 17: Business and Management Studies for REF 2029.
Beginning in January 2026, his role will cover both the criteria-setting and assessment phases. He joins three University of St Andrews colleagues supporting REF 2026 and stands as the only St Andrews academic contributing to the criteria-setting stage.
The REF assesses the quality of research in UK higher education. REF 2029 will evaluate outputs, impact and environment across 34 Units of Assessment and guide how the UK invests in research. During the criteria-setting phase, sub-panels set the standards of excellence. In the assessment phase, they apply those standards to university submissions.
Professor Wilson previously served on the Business and Management Studies sub-panel for REF 2021 and currently sits on the People, Culture and Environment pilot, which shapes how REF 2029 will recognise the people and conditions that support excellent research. He also directs the Centre for Responsible Banking & Finance and holds senior editorial roles with leading international journals in finance and accounting. Alongside this, he advises policy and professional bodies and has given evidence to government and parliamentary committees on issues including Brexit and financial regulation.
Professor Wilson said:
“I feel privileged to serve the community in this way. Contributing to both criteria-setting and assessment enables us to establish clear expectations and then evaluate submissions confidently against them. REF matters because it shapes priorities, supports quality and sustains public trust in UK research. I look forward to working collegially with fellow panellists and to representing St Andrews with integrity.”
For more information, visit the REF website.