Simon Hettrick
Professor Simon Hettrick is Director of Strategy at the Software Sustainability Institute, and a Director of the Southampton Research Software Group.
The Hidden REF:
Recognition for all research careers
Simon Hettrick
18 March 2025 - PRISM Network, online - @sjh5000 ORCID: 0000-0002-6809-5195
If we don't recognise the people who are vital to research,
we limit our ability to conduct research
Use software
Fundamental to results
69%
92%
n=417
Who's writing all the software?
Ascension, John Singleton Copley, Public Domain
Researcher
Software
Engineer
Research
Software
Engineer
~10,000 RSEs worldwide
Image courtesy Ian Cosden
Greater access to skills
=
Better research
WHY ARE WE HERE?
Discovery, reliability, reproducibility, transparency.
Publications
People who are
vital to research
People who are named in publications
Academics
RSEs, Technicians,
Librarians, Data
Stewards, PRISMS,
RMAs... and more
?
The Venn of academic importance and recognition
Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome
- Charlie Munger
Where are the PRISMs?
-
People, culture and environment (25% weighting): replaces the environment element and will include an increased emphasis on research culture.
-
Contribution to knowledge and understanding (50% weighting): replaces the outputs element. It will largely be based on assessment of research outputs and will also include evidence of broader contributions to the advancement of the discipline.
- Engagement and impact (25% weighting): replaces the impact element. It will consist of impact case studies and an accompanying statement.
Recognising all research outputs and every role that makes research possible
www.hidden-ref.org
- Training materials and courses
- Grimpact
- Citizen science
- Enabling access to facilities
- Community building
- Standards
New categories
The Hidden Role
| CC-BY William Murphy |
Data stewards and managers, Librarians, Technicians, Lived Experience Contributors (including patients), Research Software Engineers, PRISMS (Professional Research Investment and Strategy Managers), Professional Services Personnel, Public Engagement Professionals (PEPs), RMAs (Research Managers and Administrators) and Clinical Trials Managers.
Now what?
Text
In Birmingham... probably on 7-8 October 2025
What does it mean to contribute to research?
How would you assess the impact of your work?
If we recognise the people who are vital to research,
we increase our ability to conduct research
To change research culture, we need your help...
Thank you!
@sjh5000
ORCID: 0000-0002-6809-5195, EPSRC Grant no: EP/S021779/1
Licence
© Simon Hettrick. These slides are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International : https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Link to slides
https://slides.com/simonhettrick/hidden-ref-prism
Image credits
- Webb telescope star image: public domain with thanks to NASA and STScI
Hidden REF for PRISM
By Simon Hettrick
Hidden REF for PRISM
Presentation on the PRISM network
