What we heard at the first Hidden REF community call

This week we held our first Hidden REF community call, bringing together more than 60 people from across the research ecosystem to talk about research culture, recognition, and what needs to change.

The conversation included strong representation from those who enable, support, and sustain research — including research-enabling professional services staff, technical and infrastructure specialists, research culture and evaluation leads, academics, publishers, and independent researchers. Most participants were based in UK higher education, alongside voices from research institutes, sector bodies, publishing and infrastructure organisations, and some international contexts.

Across discussions, a clear and consistent message emerged: research depends on far more people and practices than current assessment and reward systems tend to recognise.

Participants spoke about the ongoing invisibility of “hidden” research labour — the technical, professional, infrastructural, pedagogical, impact, and engagement work that underpins research quality but is often undervalued or classed as “service” rather than research. This lack of recognition has real consequences for careers, progression, job security, and professional development.

There was also strong interest in not-traditionally-submitted-outputs (NTOs), alongside frustration about unclear definitions, limited guidance on what counts as quality or evidence, and institutional risk aversion. Many highlighted how uneven research culture can be across roles, disciplines, departments, and institutions, and emphasised the need for practical examples and shared learning to build confidence and consistency.

Alongside these challenges, there was cautious optimism. Participants saw REF, funders, and sector initiatives as potential levers for positive culture change — but only if recognition, incentives, systems, and everyday practice are better aligned. Hidden REF was repeatedly described not just as a discussion space, but as a connector, evidence base, and practical community that can help make hidden contributions visible and valued.

What’s next

Much of what came up in the discussion already sits at the heart of Hidden REF’s work. Our ongoing activities — including NTO workshops, the Hidden REF competition, expert groups, and community-led discussions — are designed to surface hidden research contributions, share practical examples, and support meaningful culture change.

We’re using insights from this call, alongside feedback shared by participants, to shape future community activities and priorities. Future updates will continue to focus on practical tools, shared learning, and collective advocacy in support of a more inclusive and equitable research culture.

Our next community call is on Tuesday 24th March at 11:00 GMT, you can find out more and register on the webpage – Community Calls – The Hidden REF