CKU Townhall available
February 3, 2026We are delighted to announce the launch of the Hidden REF Competition 2026.
At the Hidden REF, we recognise and celebrate the full diversity of research contributions that are vital to research but often remain hidden within traditional research evaluation frameworks. Through the competition, we highlight the people, practices and outputs that make research possible.
We have run the competition twice before, in 2021 and 2024. Across both competitions, submissions included training and development initiatives, open research communities and infrastructure, innovative applications of research, public engagement projects, inclusive research practices, and the essential work of technical, data and professional services colleagues. Together, they demonstrate the diversity of contributions that underpin research excellence.
Building on this momentum, we now invite the research community to help shape the 2026 competition.
We have a dedicated webpage for the competition: https://hidden-ref.org/hidden-ref-competition/
You can watch/listen to our podcast episode “What the REF is the Hidden REF Competition?!” to find out a bit more about it https://hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
Key dates
- 23 March 2026 — Open call for category suggestions
- 26 May 2026 — Final categories and submission rules announced
- 26 May 2026 — Submissions open
- 13 September 2026 — Submission deadline
- November 2026 — Awards ceremony
Categories
In 2024, four new categories were introduced, expanding the scope of the competition and broadening the types of contributions that could be recognised.
Ahead of opening submissions for 2026, we have already received two further categories suggestions which reflect ongoing conversations within the research community about the diversity of contributions that underpin research and deserve recognition.
Further details about categories and submission guidance will be published when the competition opens.
Get involved
We invite suggestions from across the research community for categories and submissions that recognise valuable research contributions that might otherwise remain hidden.
The Hidden REF Competition continues to celebrate the people and practices that make research possible – and we look forward to working with the community to shape the 2026 edition.
For updates and further information, please visit the Hidden REF website or contact us at info@hidden-ref.org.
