Research News Last updated 15 September
Dr Sian Vaughan, Associate Professor in Research Practice, at 探花直播 (BCU) has been selected to be part of a Sub-panel for the UK鈥檚 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 29.
Dr Vaughan will be a member of Sub-panel 32: Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory.
She currently leads BCU鈥檚 Centre for Research in Art, Architecture, and Design (RAAD) and is a member of the AHRC Peer Review Council.
鈥淏eing on the REF Sub-panel is an exciting privilege and an opportunity to gain further insights into art and design research and how it matters in the world,鈥� said Dr Vaughan.
鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about working to support inclusive, transparent, and equitable research cultures.
鈥淚 believe that REF can be a driver of change in the sector, by recognising excellence and equity, but also in rigorously questioning the evidence base for assumptions and value judgements.鈥�
Since 2023, Dr Vaughan has been a co-opted Trustee of the national Council for Higher Education in Art and Design (CHEAD) and a Chair of CHEAD鈥檚 Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Alliance.
鈥淭o have a second BCU academic appointed to a REF panel is a recognition of our university鈥檚 research talents,鈥� said Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM, at BCU.
鈥淒r Vaughan is an excellent researcher and committed to creating an environment to allow other researchers to flourish.
鈥淭his role and her expertise will allow creative research in the UK to remain world-leading.鈥�
For the first time in REF, panel members were appointed through an open application process, rather than by nomination, designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege to work with the sector bodies and panel chairs on this new, open recruitment approach,鈥� said REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for their insight and leadership throughout the process.
It鈥檚 been inspiring to see the depth, strength, and commitment of the UK鈥檚 research community, and I鈥檓 very much looking forward to welcoming the new panel members to the team.鈥�
Dr Vaughan will join聽Rajinder Dudrah, Professor of Cultural Studies and the Creative Industries, in REF29 who was appointed as Deputy Chair for Sub-panel 25: Area Studies.