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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!

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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?...

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Benefits of entering the Hidden REF Competition!

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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...

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Why enter the Hidden REF Competition?

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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?!

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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 · 13/08/2026

@profemilysena.bsky.social from the University of Edinburgh explained how she has used her 2021 win: “Winning the Hidden REF gave me valuable evidence for the impact of my work. It’s a win in a national competition which I’ve since used to support funding applications and even a promotion.”

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

Holly Blake explained how winning an award in the 2024 competition provided additional momentum for her project: 'This award helped amplify the reach of the work, supporting further research, collaborations and a growing evidence base, including our recent 5‑year follow‑up study.'

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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

One of the ways we are helping to increase confidence in working with NTOs is by running the Hidden REF Competition, where people practice submitting & assessing a wide range of research outputs. Do you want to try your hand at it? Check out our website to find out how to submit your research.

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

Have an idea of what you want to submit to the competition, but not sure where it should go? Get in touch and we can direct you to the right category. The deadline for submissions is 13 September 🗓️

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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

If your work fits, put it forward. Know a colleague who makes the research happen but never gets the credit? The Hidden Role category is for them. Open now, closes 13 September. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

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 · 30/06/2026

New this year: panels will use their interpretation of the REF guidelines on originality, significance and rigour to assess outputs, meaning a competition submission is also a chance to practice writing NTO submissions that could be submitted for the REF.

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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

If your work fits, put it forward. Know a colleague who makes the research happen but never gets the credit? The Hidden Role category is for them (or yourself - self-nominations are welcome!). Open now, closes 13 September. hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-c...

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

hidden-ref.org

Submission and review process - The Hidden REF

Submission and review process Eligibility Submitters or nominees should be based in the UK or have a formal affiliation with a UK-based institution. The institution does […]

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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...

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

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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

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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

Everyone working in the UK research ecosystem is eligible to submit. Even if you or your institution do not submit to the actual REF, we still want you to take part. Questions? Join us for a drop-in session on 23 June to chat about the competition. You can also check out our FAQ page or email us.

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

How it works: 1. You submit a research output or nominate someone (or yourself) working in a hidden role 2. A panel of experts reviews those submissions 3. The panel selects winners, provides feedback and recognises everyone who submitted 4. Celebrate!

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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.

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

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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...

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Ep 20. What the REF can be measured?!

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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

Whether you’re curious about how to evaluate diverse outputs or you’ve already been working with them, this is your chance to make a real difference in how research is recognised.

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The REF, and the academic community, needs you! #ref #community #academia

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