Data-Driven Insights for a Holistic Understanding of Research Culture

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31273/eirj.v12i1.1610

Keywords:

research culture, data analytics, collaboration metrics, research integrity, open research

Abstract

Research environments (and their measurement and tracking) are becoming increasingly complex, with rapid Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global connectivity shaping the way research knowledge is created and disseminated. Within this dynamic landscape, universities hold an ever increasing collection  of valuable data, which are stored within core operational systems including  research information systems, research management systems or grants databases, human resource systems and course management systems. This treasure trove of information, often overlooked and underutilised, not only serves as a valuable tool in guiding strategic decisions, but also could be further used to provide  a comprehensive approach to monitoring research integrity and culture.

This critical reflection follows extensive conversations and debates around defining and assessing ‘research culture’. How can we possibly measure something that has, up until now, been viewed as merely a concept? How can we generate useful metrics that reflect the culture of a research institution? Our reflections will draw attention to the potential of leveraging readily accessible information to gauge and benchmark research integrity and culture practices. We discuss how regular habitual integration of these data sources enables continuous monitoring and measurement of research culture as well as the ability to assist in the assessment of interventions or initiatives designed to improve it. We reflect on how this approach ensures that University leaders have a consistent and up-to-date understanding of the research environment through which they can identify strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and cultivate a more robust, inclusive, and transparent research ecosystem.

The current paper, through illustrative examples from one UK-based institution,  explores the potential in harnessing existing data, such as collaborative trends and prevailing research practices, to gain valuable insights into the dynamics of academic research. In addition, we explore the advantages and drawbacks of using this data to develop potential metrics that can be used to recognise and reward a healthy research culture.

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Author Biographies

  • Ann Campbell, Data and Analytics, Digital Science, UK
    Ann Campbell MPhil BEng (Hons) serves as a Technical Solutions Manager with Digital Science, where she specialises in Dimensions & Altmetric data extractions and integrations. With a background spanning 16 years in the university sector, Ann has successfully implemented several research information and management systems and has expertly integrated data from these systems. She has created key data environments that have provided holistic and comprehensive views of an institution’s research and student landscape. Ann has extensive working knowledge in identifying and using data to evidence research impact, diversity and inclusion, and contribution towards the UN SDGs. She has played a lead role in data preparation for a number of UK REF Assessments, Diversity and Inclusion charters and other mandatory student and research submissions.  In her current role Ann assists and collaborates with Universities, Funding bodies and Publishers, identifying key data trends across the research lifecycle specifically in the areas of research evaluation, research integrity, academic/industrial collaboration and SDG related research and impact.
  • Victoria Simms, Faculty of Life & Health Sciences, Ulster University, UK

    Victoria Simms is a developmental psychologist with a specific interest in the development of mathematical thinking in both typically and atypically developing children. Victoria's work also focuses on the long-term consequences of preterm birth, specifically cognitive and educational outcomes. Current projects include cross-cultural comparisons of mathematical cognition, the influence of the home environment on early learning and neuro-imaging of mathematical processing. Victoria’s research has been funded by Action Medical Research, Nuffield Foundation, British Academy and the Global Challenges Research Fund. Victoria is a founding member of the ESRC funded Centre for Early Mathematical Learning- that aims to undertand early mathematical development and impact on children's learning experinces.

    Victoria is Associate Editor for both the British Journal of Developmental Psychology and the British Journal of Educational Psychology. She is also Section Editor for Educational Psychology at Cogent Psychology.

    Victoria completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at QUB in 2008. Victoria then worked as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at a number of institutions (Heriot Watt University, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Leicester) before joining Ulster University in 2013. Victoria was appointed as Research Director for the School of Psychology in 2017 and was promoted to Reader in Psychology in 2018. Victoria was promoted to Professor of Developmental Psychology in 2021.

  • Maria Prince, Department for Research & Innovation, Ulster University, UK

    Maria is currently Ulster’s Impact Manager overseeing strategic impact development and support provision at the University, and is Co-Investigator on Ulster’s AHRC Impact Accelerator Account.

    Maria joined Ulster University in 2013 as lead support on the £3.5m EU-funded, creative industries sector enhancement project, Honeycomb –Creative Works. She has held various roles across the institution including Operations Manager at spin-out company Tactility Factory and Research Co-ordinator for the world-leading research centre, the Transitional Justice Institute. 

     Maria holds a MSc Management in Creative Industries from Ulster University and is currently undertaking a PhD focused on the economic and social burden of transgenerational trauma following the Troubles.

A group of researchers outside a university

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Published

2024-10-31

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2024): Autumn 2024

Section

Critical Reflections

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Ann Campbell, Victoria Simms, Maria Prince

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