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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

It's the last week to get in your submission to the Hidden REF Competition! The competition recognises research excellence in all its forms and the people who make that research possible. But we can only do that if we get your submissions! Submissions close on 13 September ⏳️

hidden-ref.org

Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF

Hidden REF Competition 2026 The Hidden REF Competition celebrates all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation. The competition recognises a range of outputs that […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

What do you actually get from entering the Hidden REF Competition? A certificate, recognition, a citable record of your contribution - and, for winners, even more opportunities and visibility. youtube.com/shorts/nw-lH... 🚨 Deadline: 13 September hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

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Tangible Benefits!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

What have previous Hidden REF Competition entrants gained? Recognition, visibility, stronger promotion and funding cases - and a community that understands the value of their work. ⏰ Just over a week left to enter. Closes 13 September. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c... youtu.be/Pj6zicuYNQ0?...

youtu.be

Benefits of entering the Hidden REF Competition!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Why enter the Hidden REF Competition? Because recognising overlooked contributions can help drive change - for you, your colleagues, your institution and the wider research sector. www.youtube.com/shorts/k_Urv... 🏆 Entries close 13 September. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

youtube.com

Why enter the Hidden REF Competition?

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Thinking about investing a few extra minutes in your Hidden REF Competition submission this week? That investment might pay off! Jamie Davies, a 2021 competition winner, explains how his team has used their win to secure additional funding for their project. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

There's just 2 weeks left to submit to the Hidden REF Competition! We want to celebrate your research outputs & everyone involved in their creation. Help us do that & build evidence for more inclusive approaches to research assessment. 🗓️ Submissions close 13 Sept hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Less than 3 weeks to go until entries close for the Hidden REF Competition!⏰ hidden-ref.org 🎙️ In the latest What the REF?! episode, previous winners share what they gained from entering - from recognition for unseen work, to securing funding and articulating impact. www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7zk...

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Ep 25. Why the REF should you enter the Hidden REF competition?!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We are a drop-in session for people to ask questions about the Hidden REF Competition before submissions close! Join us today (Tuesday 25 August) from 11.00-12.00 to get all your questions answered! The link to join is on our website. hidden-ref.org/resources/co...

hidden-ref.org

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 – […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Why you should you submit your research to the Hidden REF Competition? @lynnebianchi.bsky.social, a highly commended entrant from the 2024 competition, explains how the competition provided a valuable opportunity for her team to reflect on the impact of their work.

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

In preparation for this year's Hidden REF Competition, we've been reaching out to past competition winners to chat about their experience. We've heard back from so many - and honestly, we're blushing 😊.

hidden-ref.org

Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF

Hidden REF Competition 2026 The Hidden REF Competition celebrates all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation. The competition recognises a range of outputs that […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Headed to the beach for some holiday? Why not take a look at the categories for this year's competition before you go. It's like (pre-)beach reading but for people who love research culture! hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

A cartoon image of a tropical beach with a surf board stuck into the sand. The text reads, 'You're invited to the Hidden REF competition. Submissions close 13 September.'

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Here at the Hidden REF it might seem like we're always talking about not-traditionally submitted outputs (NTOs). But what is an NTO and why do we care so much about how they're assessed? Our Hidden REF community manager Lyndsey Ballantyne explains. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X19...

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

🎙️ Episode 24 of What the REF?! What does it take to prepare for your first-ever REF submission? We speak to Alexandra Murphy and Ian Hutchinson from Arts University Plymouth about building a REF culture from scratch. www.youtube.com/watch?v=78uM...

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Reposted by Hidden REF

Sally Dalton @sallydalton.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

The @ukrepro.bsky.social STAR report calls for open research approaches that recognise disciplinary diversity. This aligns strongly with work at Leeds, where we've developed 10 methodology-specific Open Research Checklists. We hope to share them soon! www.ukrn.org/2026/07/01/u...

ukrn.org

UKRN launches STAR report on the future of open research data in UK universities | UK Reproducibility Network

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Why you should you nominate a colleague or submit your research to the Hidden REF Competition? Jenni Adams, one of our winners from the 2024 competition, explains how the competition is a valuable way of recognising all of the work that doesn't get recognised elsewhere in the research ecosystem.

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Reposted by Hidden REF

ref2029.bsky.social @ref2029.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

We will launch a short sector survey on 30 July 2026 to gather targeted feedback on a small number of policy areas for final development. Read more: 2029.ref.ac.uk/news/ref-202...

2029.ref.ac.uk

REF 2029 sector survey on final policy developments – REF 2029

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Reposted by Hidden REF

Research and Partnerships team, UoL @livunirpteam.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Submit your diverse output types (DOTs) to the @hiddenref.bsky.social Competition 2026 and showcase your wonderful research. Open to anyone affiliated with a UK research organisation - submissions close on 13 September 2026. Full details here: hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c... #diverseresearch

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Behind almost every research study there's a collections specialist, a data manager, a technician or a bit of code that never makes the paper and never gets credited. The Hidden REF 2026 is open, and it recognises exactly those outputs and roles, the ones traditional assessment leaves out.

hidden-ref.org

Hidden REF Competition 2026 - The Hidden REF

Hidden REF Competition 2026 The Hidden REF Competition celebrates all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation. The competition recognises a range of outputs that […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Behind almost every research study is a collections specialist, data manager, technician or bit of code that never makes the paper. The Hidden REF 2026 is open & recognises exactly those outputs & roles, the ones traditional assessment leaves out. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

If we recognise everyone who is vital to research, we advance our ability to conduct research. www.hidden-ref.org

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

🎙️ New What the REF?! episode: our ARMA Conference debrief. We discuss REF 2029, broadening research outputs, the case for (and against) REF, plus workshop highlights and a little REF folklore. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdAi...

youtube.com

Ep 23. What the REF did we learn at ARMA?!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

We are hosting drop-in sessions for people to ask questions about the Hidden REF Competition or anything else you’d like to know about, or discuss with, the Hidden REF! Join us today (Tuesday 23 June) from 11.00-12.00 to get all your questions answered! The link to join is on our website.

hidden-ref.org

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 – […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Do you want to find our more about the Hidden REF Competition? Have an idea for a submission but not exactly sure where it fits? Join us for a drop in session next week on Tuesday 23 June from 11.00-12.00 to get all your questions answered! The link to join is on our website.

hidden-ref.org

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 – […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

🎙️ 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...

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Ep 22. In conversation with Steven Hill

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

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...

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

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

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

🎧 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.

youtube.com

Ep 21. What the REF?! It's the 2026 Hidden REF Competition!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

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.

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

📢 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...

hidden-ref.org

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 – […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

🎙️ 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...

youtube.com

Ep 20. What the REF can be measured?!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

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/

researchprofessionalnews.com

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

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

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?

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

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!

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

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?

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

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:

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Reposted by Hidden REF

Copim @copim.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

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! 🎧️

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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.…

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

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

nature.com

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.

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

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.

rbht.nhs.uk

“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...

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Reposted by Hidden REF

UCL Office for Open Science and Scholarship @uclopenscience.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

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

Two people stand behind a large wooden table covered in A3 size sheets of paper which appear to have coloured maps on them. They are both looking at one sheet of paper which one of them is holding by the edge in their left hand and pointing at with their right hand. Behind them from floor to ceiling are wide, shallow drawers which are presumably where the maps are stored.

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

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!

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Reposted by Hidden REF

Copim @copim.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

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! 🎧️

buff.ly

Ep 18. What the REF is happening with books?!

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

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...

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

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:

hidden-ref.org

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 […]

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Hidden REF @hiddenref.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

🎙️ 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 WTreF@hidden-ref.org, BlueSky or Linkedin.

youtube.com

Ep17. What the REF is work/life balance?!

YouTube video by Hidden REF

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