New statistics research role created

A new role supporting the  improved use of statistics in research has been created at the University, with Dr Daisy Powell appointed as Director.

Dr Powell, an associate professor in the Institute of Education, will lead the Statistics Community of Practice (SCoP), starting on 1 January 2023. It will support and involve colleagues across the University who use, need to use, or need to have an awareness of, statistical methods in research.

The purpose of the SCoP is to consolidate good practices in the application of statistics across the research process, across all Schools and including research support functions.

In so doing, this will enable the SCoP to share best practices and address problems identified where research quality could be further strengthened through enhanced statistical rigour in the design, conduct or analysis stages.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), said: “Establishing a Statistics Community of Practice aligns with the University Research Strategy objective to support open and transparent research which meets the highest standards of integrity, help research-active colleagues to achieve greater research quality and to have greater success in winning research grants.”

Dr Powell said: “This is an exciting new University initiative and I’m delighted to have been offered this role. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the University in identifying best practice in the use of statistics in different disciplines, and in working to ensure that the quality of our research is maximised though the use of open and robust research practices.”