Ben Thomas
@bennopt.bsky.social
I made a video
During the Festival of Hidden REF, we spoke to some of our attendees to find out how they think research culture in UK higher education can be improved.
Take a look and let us know what you would like to change!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCu...
Take a look and let us know what you would like to change!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCu...
Change one thing #ResearchCulture #REF
YouTube video by Hidden REF
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
I made a video
Reposted by Ben Thomas
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/green-mayo...
Local Green voices in our community, Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Thank you for all donations so far! See link 💚
Local Green voices in our community, Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Thank you for all donations so far! See link 💚
September 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/green-mayo...
Local Green voices in our community, Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Thank you for all donations so far! See link 💚
Local Green voices in our community, Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Thank you for all donations so far! See link 💚
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Risk-averse universities ‘hindering own REF performance’.
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Risk-averse universities ‘hindering own REF performance’ - Research Professional News
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Risk-averse universities ‘hindering own REF performance’.
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Hidden REF Festival: Institutions urged to “pull their socks up” and submit more non-traditional outputs.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Here's a better idea: every data centre you build, you build enough renewable energy to power it, and you supply the waste heat from your cooling system to power homes and businesses nearby. Simple. Common sense. And fair.
September 18, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Here's a better idea: every data centre you build, you build enough renewable energy to power it, and you supply the waste heat from your cooling system to power homes and businesses nearby. Simple. Common sense. And fair.
I don’t think privatisation was just a ‘failed experiment’… it was planned theft from the public under the guise of whatever their stated reasons were. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Privatisation of UK industries is driving cost of living crisis, says Greens’ leader
Zack Polanski calls mass privatisation a ‘failed experiment’ as report finds it has cost UK households £250 a year more
www.theguardian.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:17 AM
I don’t think privatisation was just a ‘failed experiment’… it was planned theft from the public under the guise of whatever their stated reasons were. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lovely stuff m.youtube.com/shorts/wIPVZ...
How do we fix this mess? join.greenparty.org.uk
YouTube video by Zack Polanski
m.youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Lovely stuff m.youtube.com/shorts/wIPVZ...
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Welcome to Rip-Off Britain.
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
September 16, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Welcome to Rip-Off Britain.
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
It's a 5 horse race with 4 'meh' to terrible options... But get behind the Greens and we can win! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/green-mayo...
💚 Get A Green Mayor Elected Hants & IOW 2026 💚
The Green Party needs your help to win in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mayoral election 2026 💚
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
August 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
It's a 5 horse race with 4 'meh' to terrible options... But get behind the Greens and we can win! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/green-mayo...
Do you, or someone you know, work in sensitive data curation in the UK?
Please have a read about this HDR UK-led, UKRI DRI-funded project on skills for sensitive data curation. Link to the survey in the article.
Please share with your networks!
www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-tr...
Please have a read about this HDR UK-led, UKRI DRI-funded project on skills for sensitive data curation. Link to the survey in the article.
Please share with your networks!
www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-tr...
Sensitive Data Curation Survey
www.hdruk.ac.uk
July 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Do you, or someone you know, work in sensitive data curation in the UK?
Please have a read about this HDR UK-led, UKRI DRI-funded project on skills for sensitive data curation. Link to the survey in the article.
Please share with your networks!
www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-tr...
Please have a read about this HDR UK-led, UKRI DRI-funded project on skills for sensitive data curation. Link to the survey in the article.
Please share with your networks!
www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-tr...
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Absolutely dystopian juxtaposition from the Guardian front page. Difficult to understand how anyone of decency and conscience can defend this government at this point. Just sheer moral degeneracy to arm a state that does this and arrest people for objecting. Wtf are we doing as a country?
July 19, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Absolutely dystopian juxtaposition from the Guardian front page. Difficult to understand how anyone of decency and conscience can defend this government at this point. Just sheer moral degeneracy to arm a state that does this and arrest people for objecting. Wtf are we doing as a country?
Reposted by Ben Thomas
✨Calling all academic coders! Share your views on open source in academia ✨
TL;DR
🚀Survey on contributing to open source projects in academia
👉 southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
⏰ Approx 20 mins.
📅 Closes 30 September
🌍 Open to anyone in academia, anywhere in the world (1/6)
TL;DR
🚀Survey on contributing to open source projects in academia
👉 southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
⏰ Approx 20 mins.
📅 Closes 30 September
🌍 Open to anyone in academia, anywhere in the world (1/6)
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
southampton.qualtrics.com
July 16, 2025 at 4:04 PM
✨Calling all academic coders! Share your views on open source in academia ✨
TL;DR
🚀Survey on contributing to open source projects in academia
👉 southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
⏰ Approx 20 mins.
📅 Closes 30 September
🌍 Open to anyone in academia, anywhere in the world (1/6)
TL;DR
🚀Survey on contributing to open source projects in academia
👉 southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
⏰ Approx 20 mins.
📅 Closes 30 September
🌍 Open to anyone in academia, anywhere in the world (1/6)
Reposted by Ben Thomas
July 10, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Opinion: Vague rules will not dispel the REF’s climate of caution.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Vague rules will not dispel the REF’s climate of caution - Research Professional News
Inclusive assessment needs stronger backing, say Gemma Derrick, Elizabeth Gadd, Simon Hettrick and James Baker
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 9, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Opinion: Vague rules will not dispel the REF’s climate of caution.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Reposted by Ben Thomas
"policies that drown people bad" excellently presented by @zoejardiniere.bsky.social
Labour & Tories both tying themselves in knots trying to defend cruelty.
There are alternatives to the hostile & failed policies currently in place, neither party seem willing to even consider
Labour & Tories both tying themselves in knots trying to defend cruelty.
There are alternatives to the hostile & failed policies currently in place, neither party seem willing to even consider
Zoe Gardener calls our Labour and the Conservatives over small boat arrivals @zoejardiniere.bsky.social
Part 1/3
Part 1/3
July 8, 2025 at 7:10 AM
"policies that drown people bad" excellently presented by @zoejardiniere.bsky.social
Labour & Tories both tying themselves in knots trying to defend cruelty.
There are alternatives to the hostile & failed policies currently in place, neither party seem willing to even consider
Labour & Tories both tying themselves in knots trying to defend cruelty.
There are alternatives to the hostile & failed policies currently in place, neither party seem willing to even consider
Can your work be submitted to REF2029?
The latest episode of What the REF for your listening pleasure.
The latest episode of What the REF for your listening pleasure.
🎙️ Podcast episode 4 is out now
What the REF is happening with the CKU?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website, on Youtube or wherever you usually find your podcasts. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97E...
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF is happening with the CKU?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website, on Youtube or wherever you usually find your podcasts. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97E...
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
Ep4. What the REF is happening with the CKU?!
YouTube video by Hidden REF
www.youtube.com
July 3, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Can your work be submitted to REF2029?
The latest episode of What the REF for your listening pleasure.
The latest episode of What the REF for your listening pleasure.
I recently spoke to Emily Bastable, FHEA about our Software Sustainability Institute report, 'Digital and Professional Skills for Industry: Understanding Employers and Graduates Experiences'. 1/3
shows.acast.com/the-work-fut...
shows.acast.com/the-work-fut...
Are universities equipping graduates with skills for industry? | The Work Futures Research Centre Podcast
shows.acast.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I recently spoke to Emily Bastable, FHEA about our Software Sustainability Institute report, 'Digital and Professional Skills for Industry: Understanding Employers and Graduates Experiences'. 1/3
shows.acast.com/the-work-fut...
shows.acast.com/the-work-fut...
Episode 3 of What the REF?! Is out now on YouTube and your podcast app. youtu.be/uHRQjNqY6CY
Ep3. What the REF are our research incentives?
YouTube video by Hidden REF
youtu.be
June 25, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Episode 3 of What the REF?! Is out now on YouTube and your podcast app. youtu.be/uHRQjNqY6CY
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Water industry lobbyists tried to inflate the value of failing firms.
Now it’s clear: bringing them into public ownership could cost close to £0.
There’s support across the spectrum for public ownership.
Action is a matter of political will.
@cmmonwealth.bsky.social @ewanmg.bsky.social
Now it’s clear: bringing them into public ownership could cost close to £0.
There’s support across the spectrum for public ownership.
Action is a matter of political will.
@cmmonwealth.bsky.social @ewanmg.bsky.social
June 9, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Water industry lobbyists tried to inflate the value of failing firms.
Now it’s clear: bringing them into public ownership could cost close to £0.
There’s support across the spectrum for public ownership.
Action is a matter of political will.
@cmmonwealth.bsky.social @ewanmg.bsky.social
Now it’s clear: bringing them into public ownership could cost close to £0.
There’s support across the spectrum for public ownership.
Action is a matter of political will.
@cmmonwealth.bsky.social @ewanmg.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Thomas
🎙️ Podcast episode 2 is out now
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
May 28, 2025 at 1:10 PM
🎙️ Podcast episode 2 is out now
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
Episode 2 is out now! 'What the REF?!' is a podcast explaining everything you need to know about the UK's Research Excellence Framework, as well as promoting the value of 'non-traditionally submitted outputs' alongside traditional journal articles and books.
🎙️ Podcast episode 2 is out now
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF should we call these outputs?!
Listen to What the REF?! via our website hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/, on YouTube or wherever you usually find your podcasts.
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
May 28, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Episode 2 is out now! 'What the REF?!' is a podcast explaining everything you need to know about the UK's Research Excellence Framework, as well as promoting the value of 'non-traditionally submitted outputs' alongside traditional journal articles and books.
Reposted by Ben Thomas
I had fun producing this podcast. On YouTube and your podcast app now!
🎙️ We've started a podcast!
We're excited to launch What the REF?!, the very first podcast from Hidden REF, where we attempt to demystify everyone's favourite national research assessment exercise.
hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
We're excited to launch What the REF?!, the very first podcast from Hidden REF, where we attempt to demystify everyone's favourite national research assessment exercise.
hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF - The Hidden REF
What the REF?! A new podcast to demystify the REF What the REF?! is a new podcast that will investigate issues around research culture, recognition for […]
hidden-ref.org
May 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
I had fun producing this podcast. On YouTube and your podcast app now!
I had fun producing this podcast. On YouTube and your podcast app now!
🎙️ We've started a podcast!
We're excited to launch What the REF?!, the very first podcast from Hidden REF, where we attempt to demystify everyone's favourite national research assessment exercise.
hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
We're excited to launch What the REF?!, the very first podcast from Hidden REF, where we attempt to demystify everyone's favourite national research assessment exercise.
hidden-ref.org/what-the-ref/
Have a question about REF you'd like answered?
👉 WTreF@hidden-ref.org
What the REF - The Hidden REF
What the REF?! A new podcast to demystify the REF What the REF?! is a new podcast that will investigate issues around research culture, recognition for […]
hidden-ref.org
May 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
I had fun producing this podcast. On YouTube and your podcast app now!
Reposted by Ben Thomas
📢 Registration is now open 📢
Join us on 7-8 October 2025 at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum for the second Festival of Hidden REF!
Explore the indicative schedule, learn more on our website or head straight to the registration page to secure your place! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-festiv...
Join us on 7-8 October 2025 at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum for the second Festival of Hidden REF!
Explore the indicative schedule, learn more on our website or head straight to the registration page to secure your place! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-festiv...
May 19, 2025 at 9:36 AM
📢 Registration is now open 📢
Join us on 7-8 October 2025 at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum for the second Festival of Hidden REF!
Explore the indicative schedule, learn more on our website or head straight to the registration page to secure your place! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-festiv...
Join us on 7-8 October 2025 at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum for the second Festival of Hidden REF!
Explore the indicative schedule, learn more on our website or head straight to the registration page to secure your place! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-festiv...
Reposted by Ben Thomas
Just out! Our peer-reviewed critique of the Cass Review has been published by BMC Medical Research Methodology. Please read and share. We show that the Cass Review is fatally flawed and should not be the basis for policy or practice in transgender healthcare.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
May 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Just out! Our peer-reviewed critique of the Cass Review has been published by BMC Medical Research Methodology. Please read and share. We show that the Cass Review is fatally flawed and should not be the basis for policy or practice in transgender healthcare.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Want to know about the technical and professional skills that graduates (bachelors, masters, PhD and RSE) bring to software engineering and data science roles in industry? What about the skill gaps and the causes of those gaps?
Evidence from employers, industry stakeholders and graduates.
👇
Evidence from employers, industry stakeholders and graduates.
👇
March 24, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Want to know about the technical and professional skills that graduates (bachelors, masters, PhD and RSE) bring to software engineering and data science roles in industry? What about the skill gaps and the causes of those gaps?
Evidence from employers, industry stakeholders and graduates.
👇
Evidence from employers, industry stakeholders and graduates.
👇