REF is changing, and the shift is clear. The new norm is broader definitions of contribution, stronger expectations around impact evidence, and greater emphasis on People, Culture and Environment. The risk is not weak research – it’s fragmented data and unclear audit trails.
This webinar will show how Symplectic Elements helps UK institutions move from reactive submission building to continuous REF readiness.
Who should attend
The session is designed for UK institutions preparing for REF 2029 and institutional stakeholders who work across but are not limited to: Research leadership, Research office and REF delivery, Systems and data, Library and data compliance.
Why attend
- Reduce REF risk from missing or inconsistent data
- Replace spreadsheets and manual tracking with structured workflows
- Improve confidence across research office and leadership teams as REF guidance continues to evolve
What you’ll learn
Contribution to Knowledge & Understanding (CKU)
REF is moving beyond simple output lists. With Symplectic Elements, you can:
- Capture publications, datasets, software, and other outputs in one place
- Link outputs to grants, facilities, and collaborations
- Support structured review and nomination workflows
- Build a clear, auditable evidence base
Engagement & Impact (E&I)
Impact is not created at the submission stage – it needs to be captured over time. Symplectic Elements enables you to:
- Log engagement activities such as policy input, advisory roles, and media
- Store supporting evidence as it happens
- Connect outputs to downstream influence and outcomes
People, Culture & Environment (PCE)
Narratives alone are not enough – they need data behind them. Symplectic Elements helps you:
- Capture supervision, mentoring, and leadership activity
- Track collaboration networks and esteem indicators
- Support governance workflows and reporting
- Monitor Open Access and funder compliance
Speaker
Ghislain Onestas | Business Development Manager – Symplectic
About Ghislain
Ghislain Onestas is a Solutions Consulting professional at Digital Science specialising in research information management (CRIS solutions, strategy, and national research assessment). He collaborates with UK and international universities on frameworks like the REF, focusing on data quality, auditability, and impact evidence. He also partners globally with institutions and funders to boost data quality and researcher visibility.
He is a regular speaker at international research management events, where he has presented on topics such as the application of generative AI in CRIS environments to improve discoverability and engagement with research outputs.
