The Hidden REF is a Research England-funded project which seeks to recognise the important people and outputs that can slip under the radar in formal assessment exercises. As part of the project, a competition takes place every two years to celebrate “all research outputs and everyone involved in their creation”. The competition’s focus is on everything other than “traditional outputs”, which are defined by the project as academic articles, books and conference proceedings. This means any types of outputs from datasets to software and performances to products; and roles including community-based researchers, research software engineers, technicians, librarians and many more. There is also space for work such as community building, public engagement and research infrastructure to be recognised. 

How are submissions assessed?

Submissions are made via a short form, which considers what the output or role is, and justifies what makes it an exceptional example of its category. More details as to the assessment of each submission category are available on the Hidden REF website. It can be useful to consider how your output or role has made a difference. Categories that align with a non-publication category of the standard REF are “assessed on the basis of significance, impact and rigour”.

What are the benefits?

Participation in the Hidden REF is an opportunity to recognise crucial work and essential colleagues, without which research couldn’t happen but which are often under-recognised. Previous winners of the Hidden REF competition have said that their participation drew attention to their research, made them feel that their ‘non-traditional’ research outputs were valuable and appreciated, and that it has supported funding and promotion applications.

As a separate system to the official REF, the burden is minimal and submissions are optional. Participation can help us to improve our understanding and appreciation of elements that may otherwise be overlooked, but are incredibly important in our function as a university.

Get involved

If you are aware of a piece of work, an individual, or a team who could be submitted to the Hidden REF, please contact hannah.coombs@port.ac.uk by the end of June to discuss next steps.