Herts Professor of Astrophysics appointed to prestigious REF research post

Professor Kristen Coppin FHEA, based in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, was announced as one of the panellists during the REF 2029 criteria-setting phase. She currently serves as Director of the Centre for Astrophysics Research and is a former Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellow, underscoring her longstanding commitment to advancing astrophysical research.

Professor Coppin’s work focuses on sub-millimetre and infrared observations to investigate dust-enshrouded galaxies. She has played a key role in several large-scale pathfinding surveys aimed at identifying and studying these ‘extreme’ galaxies and has led multiple observational programmes exploring galaxy formation in the distant universe.

She has also previously chaired the School’s Physics and Maths Equality Committee from 2016–2019, during which she led its successful Athena SWAN Silver and Institute of Physics Juno Champion applications.

Her appointment comes as part of a wider announcement from the four UK higher education funding bodies, who have confirmed the panel members for REF 2029 following a rigorous and open recruitment process. A highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been selected across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs), reflecting the strength and breadth of the UK research community.

The REF 2029 sub-panels will play a vital role in shaping how excellence in research is defined and evaluated, ensuring a rigorous, fair, and inclusive process. For the first time, panel members were appointed through an open application process rather than by nomination - a change designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates.

Professor Coppin said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be appointed to the Physics Sub-Panel for REF 2029, and I can’t wait to get started on the REF work with my colleagues. The new open panel recruitment process was designed to reduce barriers and attract a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates - this certainly factored into my decision to apply, alongside the encouragement of supportive colleagues.”

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Professor Coppin’s appointment to the REF 2029 Physics Sub-Panel. This recognition is a reflection of her deep expertise, dedication, and the respect she commands within the research community. Kristen has made outstanding contributions to astrophysics and to the culture of research at Hertfordshire, and this role is a fitting acknowledgment of her impact. Her success also speaks to the strength of our research environment - one that values excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration. We’re fortunate to have scholars like Kristen helping to shape the future of UK research.”

In May this year, Professor Jonathan Morris, Director of Research Culture and Environment at Hertfordshire, was appointed as Chair of the History Sub-Panel for REF 2029 - further demonstrating the university’s growing influence in shaping the future of UK research.

REF is led by the four UK higher education funding bodies and guides the allocation of public research funding, ensuring accountability and promoting excellence nationally. Find out more about REF 2029.

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