Interdisciplinary research community launched by Jisc

 Jisc has announced the launch of a digital research community to explore how technology and innovation can help improve current research practices.  

The organisation says the new support for leading research will have global impact, by cutting across disciplines, mission groups and geography and is a direct result of Jisc’s new research strategy which aims to increase wider engagement with research and alignment with the needs of the sector.

Researchers, research leaders, research managers and other professionals in the field, such as developers, software engineers, library and IT staff can all join the community.

Victoria Moody, Jisc’s research strategy lead at Jisc, explained: 'We are excited to launch this digital research community group, which will support the sector to respond to new policies that affect research such as the recent UK Government’s Research and Development Roadmap, National Data Strategy,  UKRI’s Corporate Plan,  and the announcement of a new research funding agency.  The community will provide a safe space for professionals active within the research process to assess technology solutions that can enhance research excellence and efficiency, as well as the culture, skills and processes to achieve these objectives.'

The group will meet for the first time online in December, and will meet quarterly, led by a community council of 18 research experts.

Helen Clare, senior e-infrastructure strategy manager and leading on bringing together the community, added: 'Policy and technology are both changing so quickly that bringing together the community is the most effective way to respond to these changes, learn from one another and influence the research agenda. We’ll be bringing together different parts of the research community to share and show best practice to shape the future of research.' 

Anne Boddington, visiting professor at Birmingham City University, Professor Emeritus of Design Innovation and REF 2021 Sub Panel Chair for Art and Design, commented: 'I’m optimistic about the potential of this group and look forward to playing a part in shaping collective action for the advancement of research and research careers. I’m particularly interested in how we can best create equitable access and agree the core competencies for researchers including those that are currently not recognised and rewarded but that may support a more generous inclusive research sector.' 

The collective wisdom of the community will be shared with the wider world through various forms of communication. The first output from the group is a webinar, which will present priorities and potential activities for the community.  

For more information about the digital community group for research join the Jisc webinar - ‘Shaping future research environments: digital challenges and opportunities' on Tuesday 15 December. The event is free, but booking is required.