Hidden REF
@hiddenref.bsky.social
📤 532
📥 17
📝 108
Celebrating all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation
pinned post!
The Hidden REF Competition is now live! The competition is your opportunity to highlight your hidden contributions to research. All the information you need to put together your submission can be found at:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
🗓️ The deadline for submissions is 13 September
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF Competition celebrates all research outputs and everyone involved in […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
15 days ago
1
5
4
🎙️ Episode 22 of What the REF?! we meet with former Research England Director Steven Hill to discuss the past, present and future of UK research assessment
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeLS...
loading . . .
Ep 22. In conversation with Steven Hill
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeLSz4qkeg4
about 13 hours ago
0
0
1
New category just dropped. This year's Hidden REF Competition now welcomes submissions for 'Environmental Sustainability Research'. Check out the details and learn what you need to do to submit:
hidden-ref.org/details-of-s...
loading . . .
Details of submission categories - The Hidden REF
Submissions to the Hidden REF 2026 competition will be made in the following categories. Hidden Role Title Hidden Role Category no. 1 Description A number of […]
https://hidden-ref.org/details-of-submission-categories/#Environmental
10 days ago
0
2
3
The Hidden REF Competition is now live! The competition is your opportunity to highlight your hidden contributions to research. All the information you need to put together your submission can be found at:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
🗓️ The deadline for submissions is 13 September
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF Competition celebrates all research outputs and everyone involved in […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
15 days ago
1
5
4
🎧 Special episode alert! In this special episode of What the REF, the team officially launches the 2026 Hidden REF Competition and explores how it has evolved from a one-off initiative into a wider movement for research culture change.
loading . . .
Ep 21. What the REF?! It's the 2026 Hidden REF Competition!
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcVi8KxrcBs
15 days ago
0
1
0
1 year 7 guests 20 episodes 2,341+ listens 6,084+ views 🎙️What the REF podcast - if you're not involved, you're missing out
hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
loading . . .
What the REF - The Hidden REF
What the REF?! A new podcast to demystify the REF What the REF?! is a new podcast that will investigate issues around research culture, recognition for […]
https://hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
21 days ago
0
1
1
The Hidden REF Competition launches in just 5 days! Check out how you can get involved:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
There are 5 panels responsible for assessing Hidden REF Submissions - you can see the previous winners for each panel on the Hidden REF website.
22 days ago
0
0
0
📢 Community call tomorrow - Tuesday 19th May 11:00-12:00 GMT There is still time to register and join us at tomorrows (online) community call! Find out more and register here:
hidden-ref.org/resources/co...
loading . . .
Community Calls - The Hidden REF
Community Calls The Hidden REF Community Calls are open, informal spaces for people across the research community to come together and talk about research culture – […]
https://hidden-ref.org/resources/community-calls/
25 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Hidden REF
Research Professional News
30 days ago
Also in opinion, the Hidden REF team say it is moving from demonstration to application...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
loading . . .
The Hidden REF is moving from demonstration to application - Research Professional News
Next step is guiding universities on assessing non-traditional outputs, say Lyndsey Ballantyne and Michael Donnay
https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-views-of-the-uk-2026-5-the-hidden-ref-is-moving-from-demonstration-to-application/
1
0
1
🎙️ Our latest episode (20) of What the REF?! features Gemma, Simon and Lyndsey exploring the evolving landscape of research assessment, from research culture and AI to the growing role of not-traditionally submitted outputs in REF submissions.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujuW...
loading . . .
Ep 20. What the REF can be measured?!
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujuW1CNHIq0
29 days ago
0
0
0
In our latest piece for
@resprofnews.bsky.social
, Lyndsey and Michael lay out how the Hidden REF is helping give universities confidence in submitting NTOs by providing actionable frameworks for assessing them. Want to help shape that guidance? Join our expert groups:
hidden-ref.org/expert-groups/
loading . . .
The Hidden REF is moving from demonstration to application - Research Professional News
Next step is guiding universities on assessing non-traditional outputs, say Lyndsey Ballantyne and Michael Donnay
https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-views-of-the-uk-2026-5-the-hidden-ref-is-moving-from-demonstration-to-application/
30 days ago
0
0
0
13 days until the Hidden REF Competition opens for submissions! Check out how you can get involved:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
There have been 13 past winners across the last two competitions - will you join that list this year?
30 days ago
0
0
0
Got expertise in not-traditionally submitted outputs (NTOs)? We’re looking for people to join Hidden REF Expert Groups! These groups will help shape guidance on assessing different types of NTOs - from software & exhibitions to patents, compositions & more. Let’s build confidence in NTOs together!
loading . . .
Expert Groups - The Hidden REF
Hidden REF needs your expertise! Expert groups increase confidence in NTOs Most submissions to the REF are journal articles and books, but there are many more […]
https://hidden-ref.org/expert-groups/
about 1 month ago
1
1
0
reposted by
Hidden REF
CCI Uni of Liverpool
about 1 month ago
The tide is turning for research technical professionals (RTPs) :) Great article in Nature worth a quick read!
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@livuni-livsrf.bsky.social
@hiddenref.bsky.social
@bioimaginguk.bsky.social
@royalmicrosoc.bsky.social
loading . . .
How hidden contributions power modern research
The people who work behind the scenes to keep research moving say that there should be more recognition for their roles.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01260-x
0
2
2
26 days until the Hidden REF Competition kicks off! 🎉 Check out how you can get involved:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
The last competition saw 26 submissions in the Hidden Role category - will there be more this year?
about 1 month ago
0
1
1
One week left to submit your suggestions for new or updated Hidden REF Competition categories. This early consultation phase is an important part of our mission, making sure the competition reflects what really matters across the research community. Find out more and share your ideas:
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and roles The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF competition was launched in 2021. It is a community-driven, national event that raises awareness […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
about 2 months ago
0
5
2
reposted by
Hidden REF
Copim
about 2 months ago
What the REF is happening with books?! We joined the
@hiddenref.bsky.social
team earlier this month to unpack the challenges of 🔓️ defining openness 💰️ funding models beyond BPCs 🪢 the tension between flexibility and REF policy! Listen to Ep 18. now! 🎧️
loading . . .
Ep 18. What the REF is happening with books?!
This week on What the Ref, the team heads to Plymouth for a lively workshop on non-traditional outputs before diving into a fascinating interview with Gareth Cole on the future of open access books.…
https://buff.ly/2YMmI3K
0
3
3
Research systems still privilege traditional outputs, overlooking vital contributors. Drawing on insights from Simon Hettrick and Philippa Broadbent, this article highlights how roles like RSEs and Technicians underpin robust, reproducible research. Read the full article on Nature Careers
loading . . .
How hidden contributions power modern research
The people who work behind the scenes to keep research moving say that there should be more recognition for their roles.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01260-x
about 2 months ago
0
3
1
One of our favourite categories in the Hidden REF Competition is the 'Hidden Role' which recognises people who make research possible behind the scenes. Want to know what impact the competition can have? Check out Laura's story about being nominated (and winning!) the award in our last competition.
loading . . .
“Hidden role” of Research Office staff member recognised with award | Royal Brompton & Harefield hospitals
30 January 2025Congratulations to Laura Henderson, research development manager at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, who was recently recognised as the sole NHS winner at the national Hidden REF...
https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/research/hidden-role-research-office-staff-member-recognised-award
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
UCL Office for Open Science and Scholarship
about 2 months ago
One week until this
#LDNOpenFest26
session💡 Open Research: the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Perspective 🗓️Friday 24 April 🕑2-3:30pm 📍Online Discover how open research supports creative, non‑traditional outputs and hear about various initiatives in this area. Register:
buff.ly/251ZKIH
1
9
5
Curious how the Hidden REF Competition works? 1. You submit your research or nominate someone working in a hidden role 2. A panel of experts reviews those submissions 3. The panel selects winners and recognises everyone who submitted 4. Celebrate! The competition kicks off in just over a month!
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and roles The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF competition was launched in 2021. It is a community-driven, national event that raises awareness […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
Copim
about 2 months ago
What the REF is happening with books?! We join the
@hiddenref.bsky.social
team to unpack the challenges of 🔓️ defining openness 💰️ funding models beyond BPCs 🪢 the tension between flexibility and REF policy! Listen to Ep 18. now! 🎧️
loading . . .
Ep 18. What the REF is happening with books?!
This week on What the Ref, the team heads to Plymouth for a lively workshop on non-traditional outputs before diving into a fascinating interview with Gareth Cole on the future of open access books.…
https://buff.ly/2YMmI3K
0
7
5
For the last REF, almost 98% of submissions were in just 7 categories. The Hidden REF Competition is working to change that! If you’ve ever thought “this kind of work should count more”, now’s your chance to say so. Find out more and share your ideas:
hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and roles The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF competition was launched in 2021. It is a community-driven, national event that raises awareness […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
2 months ago
0
5
1
The Hidden REF Competition 2026 officially launches at the end of May! The last competition had 24 categories and we need your help to ensure these categories still reflect the full diversity of research outputs and roles. Find out more and share your category suggestions:
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs and roles The Hidden REF Competition The Hidden REF competition was launched in 2021. It is a community-driven, national event that raises awareness […]
https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
2 months ago
0
6
6
There's still time to register for the online Hidden REF Community Call at 11:00GMT tomorrow!
hidden-ref.org/resources/co...
loading . . .
Community Calls - The Hidden REF
Community Calls 24th March at 11:00-12:00 GMT: Recognising Research Differently: From Reflection to Action Please register for the community call here Join us for the second […]
https://hidden-ref.org/resources/community-calls/
3 months ago
0
1
0
🎙️ Ep17. What the REF is work/life balance?! Listen to What the REF?! via our website, on Youtube or wherever you usually find your podcasts
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whN...
Have a question about the REF or an idea for the podcast, let us know at
[email protected]
, BlueSky or Linkedin.
loading . . .
Ep17. What the REF is work/life balance?!
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whNZA6-4K0
3 months ago
0
1
1
💡 Hidden REF Expert Groups We are inviting people to join one of the Hidden REF’s expert groups and help write assessment guidance that universities can use to assess NTOs (not-traditionally submitted outputs). If you have expertise in an NTO - join us 👉
hidden-ref.org/expert-groups/
loading . . .
Expert Groups - The Hidden REF
The REF needs your expertise! Expert groups increase confidence in NTOs Most submissions to the REF are journal articles and books, but there are many more […]
https://hidden-ref.org/expert-groups/
3 months ago
0
2
1
New video: What don’t we understand about the REF? The Research Excellence Framework is still evolving - and there’s still time to shape how universities interpret the guidance. Share your ideas with the Hidden REF. 📧
[email protected]
loading . . .
3 months ago
0
0
1
Announcing the Hidden REF Competition 2026!
hidden-ref.org/2026/03/05/h...
🎙️ Podcast Ep16. What the REF is the Hidden REF Competition?!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nogk...
loading . . .
Hidden REF Competition 2026 – Announcement
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Hidden REF Competition 2026. At the Hidden REF, we recognise and celebrate the full diversity of research […]
https://hidden-ref.org/2026/03/05/hidden-ref-competition-2026-announcement/
3 months ago
0
4
1
📢 Join us for the first Hidden REF Community Call Shaping a Healthy Research Culture: Your Experiences, Our Future Tuesday 27th January 2026, 11:00-12:00 GMT 📅 Add it directly to your calendar:
evt.to/ehoudogmw
Full details:
hidden-ref.org/resources/co...
loading . . .
Community Calls - The Hidden REF
Community Calls Shaping a Healthy Research Culture: Your Experiences, Our Future Tuesday 27th January 2026, 11:00-12:00 GMT Add to Calendar 🔗 Join linkThe Zoom link will […]
https://hidden-ref.org/resources/community-calls/
6 months ago
0
0
0
Breaking News! The Pause is Over! What the REF is happening now?! Simon and Ola are live at the 2025 Research & Innovation Conference, hearing Professor Dame Jessica Corner outline how REF2029 is moving forward - and we’ve got immediate reactions. 🎤
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lYO...
loading . . .
Breaking News! The Pause is Over! What the REF is happening now?!
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lYOJks35C4
6 months ago
0
0
0
During the Festival of Hidden REF, we spoke to some of our attendees to find out how they think research culture in UK higher education can be improved. Take a look and let us know what you would like to change!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCu...
loading . . .
Change one thing #ResearchCulture #REF
YouTube video by Hidden REF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCu13JFpFc&list=PLd9IowK2Ms3R5q1bM1ZMd6x7Eoz8jkx7b
7 months ago
0
1
2
reposted by
Hidden REF
Research Professional News
8 months ago
We are delighted to be media partners for this year's Hidden REF Festival (
@hiddenref.bsky.social
)! First report from Birmingham👇
add a skeleton here at some point
0
3
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
Chris Parr
8 months ago
Great day 1 at the Hidden REF Festival 2025. Really friendly vibe, and really interesting discussions about non-traditional research outputs.
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Write-up:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
0
4
2
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
get ready for the Lightning Talks…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Arianna Ciula, Kings College London, on how to assess Digital Outputs in the Digital Humanities…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
A workplace needs to be somewhere where you don’t need to choose between authenticity and success…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Why Technicians Belong at the Design Table…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Methods are a foundational - but oft unappreciated - research output…
0
2
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
Samantha Ahern
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
#FestivalHiddenREF
today - lightning talks already proving quite impactful
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Understanding the diverse forms of research output at University of Sheffield…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Can the established culture of the academy and usual disciplinary approaches enable new ways of knowing? Championing different methods of creating knowledge in HE….
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Developing Evidence-informed Output Narratives using INORMS’ SCOPE Framework…
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
celebrating Hidden Ref 2024 Winners: Laura Henderson, Hidden Role Winner
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
Closing Panel session chaired by James Baker: Rewarding research excellence, recognising research careers, perspectives on evaluating diverse outputs
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
8 months ago
@hiddenref.bsky.social
James Baker and Simon Hettrick with reflections and what’s next following a fantastic two days here in Birmingham
0
1
1
reposted by
Hidden REF
Emma Ganley
8 months ago
Here’s a write-up that includes my lightning talk and reflections on why technicians must be recognised in the REF: 🔗
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Hope to work with others to get methods formally recognised as reportable research outputs in a category of their own.
loading . . .
‘REF needs dedicated section for research methods’ - Research Professional News
Hidden REF Festival: Conference hears plea to fill gap in Research Excellence Framework
https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-research-councils-2025-10-ref-needs-dedicated-section-for-research-methods/
1
5
2
reposted by
Hidden REF
Chris Parr
8 months ago
Risk-averse universities “hindering REF performance” by ignoring non-traditional research. Institutions should “pull their socks up”,
@nataliejessic10.bsky.social
tells the 2025 Hidden REF Festival (
@hiddenref.bsky.social
). Free to read:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
loading . . .
Risk-averse universities ‘hindering own REF performance’ - Research Professional News
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs
https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-research-councils-2025-10-risk-averse-universities-hindering-ref-performance/
0
12
9
reposted by
Hidden REF
Lydia Nicholson
8 months ago
Exciting to see
@nataliejessic10.bsky.social
discussing the University of Liverpool's approach to Diverse Research Outputs at the
#HiddenREFfestival
🍎🍊
add a skeleton here at some point
0
3
2
Load more
feeds!
log in