JISC

Overview

The UKis entering a period in which online collaborative environments, distributed computing and data resources, advanced analytical tools, together with support and training, are becoming readily available for researchers in all disciplines. Within some subject areas, for example, high-energy physics and bioinformatics, e-infrastructure already underpins everyday work whilst other subject areas are still investigating the applicability of existing resources for research and making recommendations for future development. If academic research in the UKis to build on the foundations laid by UKe-Science then it is essential first to understand what potential barriers exist that hinder wider adoption of e-infrastructures in all areas of research and to devise strategies to address them.

Aims and objectives 

The project will develop strategies aimed at increasing and widening adoption of e-infrastructure and significantly increasing the user-base of JISC funded services. Involvement of actual or potential users of e-infrastructure services is a key element in this: we aim to prepare the ground for a change in culture, in the way that researchers see their practice and the role that advanced information technologies play in their work. At the same time, we wish to provide service providers and technology developers with a sound grasp of problems as perceived by users. In addition to the tangible outcomes of the work, we envisage that this culture change will help to achieve wider impact and sustainability.

Project methodology

The project will be structured around three main activities: desk-based research and systematic synthesis of current work being undertaken by the three partners on enabling uptake within their respective communities; a series of case studies to understand barriers in detail; development of a coordinated set of responses to these barriers such as outreach, training and exemplars with active participation of the user communities to develop them. The user requirements case studies will be conducted through surveys of research communities, interviews with key stakeholders, including researchers and working e-Scientists, e-infrastructure builders, members of e-infrastructure support initiatives, resource providers and funding agencies.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Specific deliverables include, amongst others:

• a typology of barriers and a report on these barriers
• a report detailing the current state of adoption
• a training provision survey and gap analysis
• recommendations for training programmes
• a UK Support event scheduling and advertising system
• a UKrepository of support materials

In addition, we will engage with research communities in various ways, for example through workshops, training events and presentations. A specific focus will be on engagement with the Arts and Humanities as well as the Social Sciences.

Lead Institution

• National Centre for e-Social Science, University of Manchester

Project partners

• National e-Science Centre, University of Edinburgh
• Artsand Humanities e-Science Support Centre, King’s College, London