Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Helen Young Associate Director of Research Excellence, University of Bristol

With a background in international development policy and advocacy, Helen has worked in research management since 2016 and previously served as co-champion of the ARMA REF Special Interest Group (SIG) from 2017-2019. Having started her career as a Research Policy Officer, and subsequently REF Manager, at the University of Stirling, Helen joined the Research Policy and Information Team at the University of Strathclyde in 2019 and played a key role in delivering a high-quality impact submission for REF 2021 and ensuring responsible reporting and use of the REF results. She subsequently served as Head of Research Policy and Information, covering REF, research integrity, human ethics, research information and systems, responsible research assessment, research culture and open research, before moving to her current role as Associate Director of Research Excellence at the University of Bristol in July 2024.

As well as being Bristol’s Professional Services lead for REF 2029, Helen manages the University’s Research Information and Evaluation Team (which doubles as the institutional ‘REF Team’) and advises on responsible research assessment. Having played a key role in establishing and co-chairing the UK National Chapter of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) whilst at Strathclyde, she works closely with the Research Evaluation SIG champions to advocate for and contribute to collaborative action.