The hidden REF
Celebrating all research outputs
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Many people with different skills are involved in and are vital to the research process, yet many of their contributions are often not recognised. The hidden REF campaign set out to change this.
By acknowledging that the way research is conducted has changed, the campaign calls for a system of recognition that incentivises the creation of novel outputs that are vital to research, as well as a more equitable system of recognition across the research community.
From launching the first Hidden REF competition in 2021 to organising the Festival of Hidden REF in September 2023 (attended by 106 participants representing 54 institutions from around the UK), the initiative is making significant progress.
The hidden REF’s commitment to ensure all research outputs are celebrated is an impressive example of collective action being taken within the sector to overcome barriers and deliver change. This is something we fully support too; to work towards a fairer, more equitable environment where research can have a real-world impact and those within it can reach their full potential.
Hidden REF white paper
An output from the campaign so far is a published white paper.
Shaping the future of research evaluation. Insights from The Festival of Hidden REF.
Authors: Derrick, G.E., Hettrick, S., Baker, J., Karoune, E., Kerridge, S., Fletcher, G., Chue Hong, N., Ballantyne, L., Fransmann, J., Roche, T.
Publication date: April 2024
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
DOI: 10.1108/EGP-02-2024-0001
Overview
The white paper outlines the experiences and processes underpinning the first Hidden REF exercise in 2021, plus the discussions held at the inaugural Festival of Hidden REF in Bristol, UK, on 21 September 2023.
Organised around two main themes, the white paper defines and evaluates non-traditional outputs in order to promote their inclusion in the mainstream Research Excellence Framework (REF 2029). Plus, it determines the structure of the next Hidden REF exercise, currently envisioned for 2024.
The white paper demonstrates that the Hidden REF 2024 exercise presents an opportunity to experiment with evaluation approaches that would not be possible in the mainstream REF 2029. As such, Hidden REF 2024 is uniquely well-placed to assess what works in the evaluation of non-traditional outputs. If these conclusions are implemented in REF 2029, sectoral confidence in the fair and robust evaluation on non-traditional outputs will grow, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will include more non-traditional outputs in their REF 2029 output submissions.
Are you in?
Our sector makes an incredible difference to the world, but it’s shrouded in unhelpful traditions, outdated measures of impact and barriers to participation.
Will you join us in working towards a fairer, more equitable environment where research can have a real-world impact and those within it can reach their full potential?
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