The hidden REF is split into two phases. During the first, we will continually collect ideas for new submission categories from the research community. These will be reviewed and any that appear to represent outputs that are important but unrecognised will be added to the competition. New categories will be announced every other month. The second phase will be the competition itself, during which people will submit their research outputs. The submissions will be judged by panels of expert volunteers, and the winners will be announced in September 2021.