SSI Deputy Director and Chair of the Hidden REF Simon Hettrick joined Alex Freeman, creator of Octopus, on Jisc's Research talk podcast hosted by Emily Wild. They discuss the need for change in research assessment and how this can be achieved. 

They also explore the limitations of traditional methods and focus on the Hidden REF initiative, which champions a shift towards broader recognition of diverse contributions to research beyond the confines of conventional academic outputs. 

Alex then talks about the Octopus platform and its role in reshaping research sharing and assessment. The conversation delves into the difficulties of assessing nontraditional outputs and the concerns raised by researchers about the peer review process for such outputs.