Work on Strategy to support Digital Research underway

Work is underway on the creation of a Strategy to support Digital Research that will enhance our digital service provision to facilitate effective research, support researchers in all stages of research development and enable innovation in digital research.

Research across all disciplines is becoming increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure and the pace of change means that a strategy for digital research to support the diverse needs of researchers is critical.

Digital Technology Services (DTS) play a pivotal role in facilitating research and research activities, including as named partners on specific projects and contributing to training and development activities such as software carpentry and are leading development of the strategy.

Recognising the dynamic nature of research, the aim is to develop an agile strategy, with flexibility built in to optimise the use of evolving technology and adapt to changing requirements over the coming years, while investing in research infrastructure and support systems to enable innovation in digital research.

A high-level framework has been developed to inform creation of the strategy, with the first stage driven by initial input from colleagues within and outside DTS. The focus now is to widen engagement and effectively shape the strategy’s direction by ensuring it is co-created and owned by researchers and associated research staff across the University. This will take the form of focus groups and an online survey.

Once input from stakeholders has been collated, a final draft of the strategy will be produced for circulation and comment. A final version of the strategy is intended to be published this summer.

Henrik Brogger, Director of Digital Operations and Service Delivery, who is leading development of the strategy said: “The intention is to create a forward-looking yet pragmatic strategy to support digital research that will equip our digital services to support researchers whilst also being achievable from a resourcing perspective.”

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation said: “We welcome the opportunity to contribute to a strategy to support digital research, which will address issues raised about research support in the recent report on research culture.

“By understanding the digital research needs of our community, the University aims to optimise opportunities, promote innovation and foster an environment conducive to research success.”

Have your say

Four workshops have been arranged to gather varied perspectives to shape the Strategy to support Digital Research. Up to 25 delegates will take part in each of the “World Café” style focus groups. World Café methodology is rooted in participatory dialogue and offers an effective platform for inclusive, open conversation.

Participants will explore the following areas:

1. Defining our vision for Digital through to 2030
2. Defining where we believe we can make a difference and add value with the strategy
3. Exploring how we will achieve excellence; monitoring and measuring success
4. Setting out the digital capabilities required
5. Defining how we support the capabilities in order to achieve our vision

The workshops will take place on Wednesday 15 May and Thursday 30 May from either 10:00 - 12:00 or 13:00 - 15:00. Research colleagues and professional services staff supporting research (for example, technical staff, museums staff, research services staff, DTS staff)  are invited to attend.

If you would like to volunteer to attend one of the workshops, please complete the online form. Please note that given the limited number of spaces available, not all volunteers may be needed and you will be notified of your attendance by email. Please sign up before Friday 3 May.

If you are unable to attend the workshops but would like your views to be considered, an online survey will be circulated after the workshops have taken place.