Ep6. What The REF does a pause mean?!

This week, James, Gemma, and Simon dive headfirst into the post-summer politics, but start with Simon’s keynote at the Research Software Engineering Conference. Imagine a room full of coders being told that research software deserves a spot in the REF – cue applause, tough questions, and one very good point: are we rewarding novelty over long-term, community-building work?

But that’s just the warm-up. The real drama? The infamous “pause to the REF.” Is it a no-cost extension in academic speak, or just three months of potential confusion? Rumors are flying fast: some say REF is being scrapped, others whisper about two-tier systems, and still others that the percentages on the PCE could be changed. Cue Dumbledore quotes, Russell Group conspiracy theories, and a plea not to treat researchers like battery hens.

We also get into the CKU guidance – the contribution to knowledge and understanding – and welcome the clarification that technicians, research software engineers, librarians, and other “hidden” roles can submit outputs in 2029. But will universities actually embrace this, or cling to the status quo?

And finally, excitement builds for the upcoming Festival of Hidden REF. Two days of lightning talks, workshops, and rumor-mill buzz right in the middle of the REF pause. It’s sold out, but don’t panic – a livestream is on the way. So join us for speculation, celebration, and maybe a little mischief as we unravel REF myths, spotlight hidden roles, and ask what kind of research culture we really want to build.