Strand 5: pathfinder project on open data
Although RIDLs does not have the resources to support major research exercises, it can play a valuable role during its one-year term by undertaking small-scale project work in areas of strategic importance, in order to test the capacity of RIDLs for defining research themes and undertaking collaborative research between key partners; enhance the evidence base; and seek to make real advances in the embedding the development of information / data literacy skills within the HE sector.
In the course of discussions within RIDLs, it was agreed that a single project should be commissioned, focused on skills and training in the area of open data. This is highly topical, for instance in the light of the Royal Society report on Science as an open enterprise, and the Government’s recent White Paper on open data. There are real gaps in understanding to be filled about the knowledge and skills of HE researchers as they confront the challenge of creating and managing open data. Following a tendering exercise, the Curtis & Cartwright consultancy was appointed to undertake this work, which got underway in early January 2013. The project is now nearing completion, and it is anticipated that a final report will be published by the end of May 2013. The specification for the project can be found below.
Specification for RIDLs project on open data
Last update: 1 May 2013