Celebrating all research outputs and roles
The Hidden REF Competition
The Hidden REF competition was launched in 2021. It is a community-driven, national event that raises awareness of NTOs and hidden roles, and provides a platform for understanding them. The first two competitions received 230 submissions from around 100 organisations.
You can review details on the submission categories, the submissions and review process and the panel composition and working methods that we used. You can also see the results from 2021 competition and 2024 competition.
The documentation is being reviewed for the 2026 competition, you can read more about our plans for 2026 below.
Hidden REF Competition 2026
- 24 March – 5 May: Call for category suggestions and changes
- 26 May: Final categories and submissions rules announced
- 26 May: Submissions open
- 13 September: Submissions deadline
- November (date tbc): Awards ceremony, results announced!
Call for category suggestions and changes
Help us expand the competition by making suggestions below. You can view the current categories here.
The form will close on 5th May 2026.