Recognising hidden roles in research with Hidden REF (Episode 80)
Research Adjacent · Sarah McLusky
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Show Notes
Sarah reports from the Festival of Hidden REF held in Birmingham on 8 October 2025. This episode features contributions from organisers, speakers and participants including
- Hidden REF committee members Simon Hettrick and James Baker sharing the story behind the event
- Previous Hidden REF competition winners Laura Henderson and Lorraine van Blerk highlighting hidden roles in research
- Speaker Elisa Collado and participants Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray and Nick Sheppard sharing their takeaways and what still might be missing from the conversation
Find out more
- Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast website
- Connect with guests Simon Hettrick, James Baker, Laura Henderson, Lorraine van Blerk, Elisa Collado, Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray or Nick Sheppard
- Find out more about Hidden REF on their website or follow them on LinkedIn. You can find the list of hidden roles that Simon mentions here.
- Listen to the What the REF?! podcast
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Mentioned in this episode:
Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling
What do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Leeds Research Adjacent Community Networking
Come along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1