Published:
A national body responsible for overseeing research quality from the UK's higher education institutions has appointed a Heriot-Watt academic to one of its most influential positions.
Kate Sang, Professor in Gender and Employment Studies, is one of seven new members selected to sit on the Research Excellence Framework's (REF) equality and diversity advisory panel (EDAP) responsible for providing guidance on the development of measures to promote equality and diversity in the REF process.
Each of the new appointments has been chosen for their specific skills in the areas of mental health practice, GP/medical experience, and HR experience/expertise, as well as in a range of other areas.
Commenting on her new appointment, Professor Sang, said: “I am very much looking forward to contributing to the panel alongside esteemed colleagues from other institutions. This is an excellent opportunity to bring my expertise on disability and gender in research careers to inform decision making in research assessment. The panel's composition reflects REF's commitment to ensure equality and diversity'
EDAP was established to advise the UK's four higher education funding bodies, the REF team and the REF panels on the implementation of equality measures. The panel offers guidance on the development of the full range of measures to promote equality and diversity in the REF and demonstrate the UK funding bodies' commitment to equality and diversity in research careers.
Professor Dianne Berry OBE, Chair of EDAP, said: “I am delighted to welcome the new EDAP members to the exercise. These individuals bring significant expertise and experience to these roles, and will play a key role in ensuring that equality and diversity considerations are taken fully into account in REF 2021. There is much for EDAP to do in the coming months, providing guidance to the funding bodies on HEIs' codes of practice and advising panels in their assessment of the environment statement.”