NCRM has outlined its support for an expansion of data skills training for social scientists in the UK.
In a new publication, the centre acknowledges that there is a growing need for training in data-driven research skills.
NCRM backs proposals for greater national investment in this training, which it says must support researchers throughout their careers as technologies and methods evolve.
The centre, which already runs a variety of courses related to data-driven research, produced the new document in response to the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) recently published vision for data-driven research skills in the UK.
The NCRM document states: “Data Driven Research (DDR) continues to develop at a fast pace – with this being a partial product of continuing developments in various technological means of data capture, ongoing development of new forms of data analysis… and the mass availability of AI tools.”
"NCRM supports the recommendations from the ESRC’s report that investments be made in a DDRS training centre of excellence and that investments be made in the development of new approaches for effective DDRS training."
Expanding existing training
NCRM currently delivers training and capacity-building activities on a huge range of topics, including many areas that are highly relevant for developing lifelong DDRS data-driven research skills.
As described in the new document, the centre monitors training needs across the social sciences and responds by delivering new courses and resources – an approach that NCRM aims to continue in future.
Areas covered by these activities include technical skills, research design, data analysis, data linkage, software, data visualisation, new forms of data including smart data and the development of new research methods.
NCRM has also launched a new AI-focused strand of its researcher engagement activities.
Recommendations
The document concludes with a set of principles, which NCRM argues should be considered as the UK strengthens training in data-driven research skills. It suggests that organisations involved in expanding the UK’s training in data-driven research skills should:
- offer support to researchers throughout their careers
- engage with the research community to help with the transition to a research culture that involves a greater use of data-driven research skills
- provide training that is inclusive of all the various traditions of research methods
- offer training that supports inter- and trans-disciplinary research, with particular support for mixed-methods research
- work with organisations inside and outside out of academia to ensure the delivery of effective, equitable and inclusive training
- create innovative new opportunities for training by responding to changes in society, the social sciences and research methods.
NCRM suggests that new leadership and infrastructure are put in place to enable the delivery of any new national strategy for training in data-driven research skills.
The centre is funded by the ESRC. Its current funding phase runs from 2020 to 2025.