Dr Malcolm Read looks to technology to support research publication

Dr Malcolm Read, Jisc's executive secretary, has pointed to technology as a way to help universities disseminate their research and show their economic impact.

In a speech to university vice-chancellors, principals and senior managers at the Jisc-sponsored Guardian Future of Higher Education Summit on Friday, Dr Read also welcomed the strength of support for the infrastructure research base, but called on delegates to recognise the potential of online content.  As an example, 19th century newspapers online offer a huge resource to the community enabling research opportunities not previously available.

Dr Read signalled that cloud computing could offer huge financial savings to universities.  Although warning that the cloud is currently at the peak of its hype, he proposed that central services such as data storage could provide genuine cost benefits.

Maintaining research excellence, he said, means professional management of this data to ensure its proper curation and longer term preservation.

Dr Read was speaking as part of a panel session on world class research.

Read about the Future of Higher Education Summit online at the Guardian