scholarly journals How to build an effective research network: lessons from two decades of the GARNet plant science community

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (22) ◽  
pp. 6881-6889
Author(s):  
Geraint Parry ◽  
Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso ◽  
Daniel J Gibbs ◽  
Murray Grant ◽  
Andrea Harper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Plant Science ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Science Community ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Significant Effort

Abstract Successful collaborative research is dependent on excellent ideas and innovative experimental approaches, as well as the provision of appropriate support networks. Collaboration requires venues, infrastructures, training facilities, and, perhaps most importantly, a sustained commitment to work together as a community. These activities do not occur without significant effort, yet can be facilitated and overseen by the leadership of a research network that has a clearly defined role to help build resources for their community. Over the past 20 years, this is a role that the UKRI-BBSRC-funded GARNet network has played in the support of the UK curiosity-driven, discovery-led plant science research community. This article reviews the lessons learnt by GARNet in the hope that they can inform the practical implementation of current and future research networks.

scholarly journals Building a pathway for diversity in plant sciences in Argentina: highlighting the work of women scientists through virtual activities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Alejandra Auge ◽  
María José de Leone ◽  
Rocío Deanna ◽  
Sonia Oliferuk ◽  
Pamela Anahí Ribone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Science ◽  
Extension Programs ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Scientific Poster ◽  
Science Community ◽  
Plant Sciences ◽  
Experimental Approaches

AbstractEncouraging the participation of a diverse workforce in academia increases plurality as it broadens the range of skills, ways of thinking and experiences. Institutions and professional societies have been putting efforts on building plans that help make workplaces, conferences, education and extension programs more relatable to a highly diverse population. Argentina has an overall gender-balanced workforce in the sciences (~53% women/total), with an even higher representation in disciplines related to plant sciences. However, media outlets and national conferences related to genetics, botany, plant physiology, ecology and molecular biology, fail to reflect those numbers as the proportion of women invited for interviews, plenary lectures, and symposia falls below ~30%. As a way to increase the visibility of the wealth of plant science topics and experimental approaches in which Argentinian women work, and to facilitate connections among them across the country and abroad, we created the Argentinian Women in Plant Science network (https://argplantwomen.weebly.com/). This group has grown to over 200 members, representing a wide range of career stages and research topics. Since April, and taking advantage of the confinement situation, our weekly webinar series highlighting women plant scientists has reached an average audience of 60-70 participants, with a record of 100. Recently, we have begun a series of open professional development webinars to reach a wider public. Our first webinar, focused on Scientific poster design, had ~250 participants, most of them undergrad and graduate students from all over the country covering a diverse range of disciplines, including the social sciences. Even though we have immersed ourselves in the plant science community with our weekly seminars, we have expanded our goals with activities aimed to reach out to a much wider audience with webinars and teacher training workshops, hopefully making plant science more attainable to all.

scholarly journals Gender and active travel: a qualitative data synthesis informed by machine learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Haynes ◽  
Judith Green ◽  
Ruth Garside ◽  
Michael P. Kelly ◽  
Cornelia Guell
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Social Practice ◽  
Practice Theory ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Social Practice Theory ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Innovative approaches are required to move beyond individual approaches to behaviour change and develop more appropriate insights for the complex challenge of increasing population levels of activity. Recent research has drawn on social practice theory to describe the recursive and relational character of active living but to date most evidence is limited to small-scale qualitative research studies. To ‘upscale’ insights from individual contexts, we pooled data from five qualitative studies and used machine learning software to explore gendered patterns in the context of active travel. Methods We drew on 280 transcripts from five research projects conducted in the UK, including studies of a range of populations, travel modes and settings, to conduct unsupervised ‘topic modelling analysis’. Text analytics software, Leximancer, was used in the first phase of the analysis to produce inter-topic distance maps to illustrate inter-related ‘concepts’. The outputs from this first phase guided a second researcher-led interpretive analysis of text excerpts to infer meaning from the computer-generated outputs. Results Guided by social practice theory, we identified ‘interrelated’ and ‘relating’ practices across the pooled datasets. For this study we particularly focused on respondents’ commutes, travelling to and from work, and on differentiated experiences by gender. Women largely described their commute as multifunctional journeys that included the school run or shopping, whereas men described relatively linear journeys from A to B but highlighted ‘relating’ practices resulting from or due to their choice of commute mode or journey such as showering or relaxing. Secondly, we identify a difference in discourses about practices across the included datasets. Women spoke more about ‘subjective’, internal feelings of safety (‘I feel unsafe’), whereas men spoke more about external conditions (‘it is a dangerous road’). Conclusion This rare application of machine learning to qualitative social science research has helped to identify potentially important differences in co-occurrence of practices and discourses about practice between men’s and women’s accounts of travel across diverse contexts. These findings can inform future research and policy decisions for promoting travel-related social practices associated with increased physical activity that are appropriate across genders.

scholarly journals Factors facilitating sustainable scientific partnerships between developed and developing countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl J Kunert ◽  
Anna-Maria Botha ◽  
Paul J Oberholster ◽  
Rosita Yocgo ◽  
Percy Chimwamurombe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Plant Science ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The North ◽  
Global Science ◽  
The Uk

International scientific partnerships are key to the success of strategic investments in plant science research and the farm-level adoption of new varieties and technologies, as well as the coherence of agricultural policies across borders to address global challenges. Such partnerships result not only in a greater impact of published research enhancing the career development of early and later stage researchers, but they also ensure that advances in plant science and crop breeding technologies make a meaningful contribution to society by brokering acceptance of emerging solutions to the world problems. We discuss the evidence showing that despite a lack of funding, scientists in some African countries make a significant contribution to global science output. We consider the criteria for success in establishing long-term scientific partnerships between scientists in developing countries in Southern Africa (“the South”) and developed countries such as the UK (“the North”). We provide our own personal perspectives on the key attributes that lead to successful institutional collaborations and the establishment of sustainable networks of successful “North-South” scientific partnerships. In addition, we highlight some of the stumbling blocks which tend to hinder the sustainability of long-term “North-South” scientific networks. We use this personal knowledge and experiences to provide guidelines on how to establish and maintain successful long-term “North-South” scientific partnerships.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary perspectives on designing, understanding and evaluating digital technologies for autism

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Parsons ◽  
Nicola Yuill ◽  
Mark Brosnan ◽  
Judith Good
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Council ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Technology Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Interdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration in technology research are regarded as vital for producing effective and usable solutions that meet real needs. The purpose of this paper is to draw upon the fifth seminar in an Economic and Social Research Council funded series in the UK on “Innovative Technologies for Autism”. This seminar focused on the contributions that different disciplines can make to the field of autism and technology, and offers some interesting avenues for future research. Design/methodology/approach A synthesis of key messages from the speakers’ talks is presented, interspersed with comments and observations from delegates which were written on post-it notes during the day and shared amongst the group. Findings Interdisciplinarity can be conceptualised in many different ways and is not simply about academic contributions. Collaborative research involving genuine stakeholder participation can provide fertile grounds for respecting and exploring individual differences and needs. Investigating the uses of existing technologies as well as developing innovative ideas and prototypes through inclusive design are important avenues for future research. Originality/value This paper offers a rare glimpse into a range of perspectives within a broad field of research and draws out some important connections between these different viewpoints. There are valuable avenues for collaboration and further exploration that would extend research in productive ways.

Networking to deliver research: Research radiographers within the Academic Clinical Oncology and Radiobiology Research Network (ACORRN)

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Heap ◽  
Nicola Stones
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Scientific Advisory Committee ◽  
The Past ◽  
Grant Applications ◽  
National Office ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
The Uk

AbstractACORRN was established in response to the sharp decline in the number of clinical academics and radiation biologists over the past ten years. The network was launched in 2005 to help revitalise radiotherapy and radiobiology research in the UK by networking and supporting individuals and groups. ACORRN is governed by a Steering Committee, comprising members of the UK research community and receives advice from an International Scientific Advisory Committee. Since its inception ACORRN has established a national office to support researchers, providing practical advice and assistance on funding streams, grant applications, ethics legislation and approval as well as facilitating collaborative research meetings. ACORRN has also developed several working parties, research interest groups and an interactive website (www.acorrn.org) which is actively used within the research community. The website serves as a hub of information allowing researchers to locate and contact each other and search for information on projects, institutions and opportunities, quickly and easily.

scholarly journals Blockchain in accounting research: current trends and emerging topics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Garanina ◽  
Mikko Ranta ◽  
John Dumay
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Structured Literature Review

PurposeThis paper provides a structured literature review of blockchain in accounting. The authors identify current trends, analyse and critique the key topics of research and discuss the future of this nascent field of inquiry.Design/methodology/approachThis study’s analysis combined a structured literature review with citation analysis, topic modelling using a machine learning approach and a manual review of selected articles. The corpus comprised 153 academic papers from two ranked journal lists, the Association of Business Schools (ABS) and the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC), and from the Social Science Research Network (SSRN). From this, the authors analysed and critiqued the current and future research trends in the four most predominant topics of research in blockchain for accounting.FindingsBlockchain is not yet a mainstream accounting topic, and most of the current literature is normative. The four most commonly discussed areas of blockchain include the changing role of accountants; new challenges for auditors; opportunities and challenges of blockchain technology application; and the regulation of cryptoassets. While blockchain will likely be disruptive to accounting and auditing, there will still be a need for these roles. With the sheer volume of information that blockchain records, both professions may shift out of the back-office toward higher-profile advisory roles where accountants try to align competitive intelligence with business strategy, and auditors are called on ex ante to verify transactions and even whole ecosystems.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors identify several challenges that will need to be examined in future research. Challenges include skilling up for a new paradigm, the logistical issues associated with managing and monitoring multiple parties all contributing to various public and private blockchains, and the pressing need for legal frameworks to regulate cryptoassets.Practical implicationsThe possibilities that blockchain brings to information disclosure, fraud detection and overcoming the threat of shadow dealings in developing countries all contribute to the importance of further investigation into blockchain in accounting.Originality/valueThe authors’ structured literature review uniquely identifies critical research topics for developing future research directions related to blockchain in accounting.

scholarly journals The importance of gaining the public’s confidence to use administrative data for public benefit in social science research

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Verwulgen ◽  
Judith Knight
Keyword(s):  
Administrative Data ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Research Council ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Administrative Data Research Network (ADRN) is a UK-wide initiative, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The Network facilitates safe access to linked de-identified administrative data for research which is aimed at providing a benefit to our society. Administrative data research can provide wide ranging and longitudinal evidence for policy makers which therefore has the potential to improve our society. MethodRecognising the importance of public confidence and trust to the success of the ADRN, the ESRC commissioned a public consultation to gauge understanding of social research and the reactions to the use of administrative data in research. A comprehensive UK-wide communications and public engagement strategy has been developed. From this a number of initiatives been introduced over the past two years to address public concerns and these have been reviewed, revised and extended as the Network has evolved. Now to extend the Network’s reach, the Administrative Data Research Network is developing a UK National Citizens Panel (CP). The panel will provide a representation of public views on potential changes to Network policy, procedures, governance and service provision issues. The CP will also assist with testing our public facing communications such as events, website and promotional materials. ConclusionThis paper presents the previous and current public engagement initiatives that the Administrative Data Research Network has incorporated within its policies and service that enables better knowledge for a better society  Funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, the ADRN, set up as part of the UK Government’s Big Data initiative, is a UK-wide partnership between universities, government bodies, national statistics authorities and the wider research community. www.adrn.ac.uk.

Using the Change4Life Disney Branded 10-minute Shake Ups During the COVID-19 ‘Lockdown’

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Budzynski-Seymour ◽  
James Steele ◽  
Michelle Jones
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Affective Responses ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Bidirectional Relationship ◽  
The Uk

Physical activity (PA) is considered essential to overall health yet it is consistently reported that children are failing to meet the recommended levels. Due to the bidirectional relationship between affective states and PA, affective responses are a potential predictor to long term engagement. Since late March 2020 the UK government enforced ‘lockdown’ measures to help control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19); however, this has impacted children’s PA. Using online resources at home to support PA is now common. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the use of the Change4Life 10-minute Shake Ups to support PA by examining the effects of Disney branding upon children’s (n=32) post activity affective responses and perceived exertion. The secondary was to investigate the effect of the lockdown on PA habits. Children had similar positive affective responses and perceived effort to activities; however, branding was considered to be a key contributing factor based upon qualitative feedback from parents. Children’s PA levels dropped slightly since ‘lockdown’ was imposed; though online resources have been utilised to support PA. The use of immersive elements such as characters and narrative in PA sessions, as well as utilising online resources during ‘lockdown’ appear potentially promising for future research.

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