Stian Westlake
(Economic and Social Research Council, UKRI)
Discussants:
Ben Steyn
Stian Westlake
(Economic and Social Research Council, UKRI)
Alison Avenell
(University of Aberdeen)
Jack Blumenau
(University College London)
Katherine Button
(University of Bath)
Jack Stilgoe
(UCL)
George Richardson
(Innovation Growth Lab, Nesta)
Format:
Panel
Location:
Sessions:
Monday 30 June, -
Time zone: Europe/London
A year in the work of the UK Metascience Unit: looking back and ahead.
Panel T1.1 at conference Metascience 2025.
This session will delve into the pioneering work of the UK Metascience Unit. Attendees will gain insights into the unit's key functions, current activities, and future plans, as well as its role in shaping UK Government strategy and driving innovation in research funding processes.
Long Abstract
Session Objectives:
1. To provide an overview of the UK Metascience Unit's activities and achievements to date
2. To explore the research funded by UK Metascience Unit
3. To engage with attendees on the implications of the unit's work for the broader metascience community and R&D landscape.
Session Outline:
1. Introduction and Background (5 minutes)
• Delivered by Stian Westlake.
2. Highlights of "A Year in Metascience" (25 minutes)
• Delivered by Dr Ben Steyn.
• Overview of the key achievements and milestones of the UK Metascience Unit over the past year.
• Insights into the impact of the unit's work on the UK research landscape and beyond.
3. Panel Discussion: Insights from Metascience Research Grants (25 minutes)
• Chaired by Stian Westlake
• Panellists: Representatives from funded projects (one from each of the research themes, and at least 2 with international partners)
• Topics: Discussion of what the funding will allow these projects to do and the potential impact on R&D policy.
4. Q&A and Discussion (25 minutes)
5. Forward Look (10 minutes)
• Highlights of upcoming activity from the UK Metascience Unit
Stian Westlake (Economic and Social Research Council, UKRI)
Alison Avenell (University of Aberdeen)
Jack Blumenau (University College London)
Katherine Button (University of Bath)
Jack Stilgoe (UCL)
George Richardson (Innovation Growth Lab, Nesta)
Short Abstract
This session will delve into the pioneering work of the UK Metascience Unit. Attendees will gain insights into the unit's key functions, current activities, and future plans, as well as its role in shaping UK Government strategy and driving innovation in research funding processes.
Long Abstract
Session Objectives:
1. To provide an overview of the UK Metascience Unit's activities and achievements to date
2. To explore the research funded by UK Metascience Unit
3. To engage with attendees on the implications of the unit's work for the broader metascience community and R&D landscape.
Session Outline:
1. Introduction and Background (5 minutes)
• Delivered by Stian Westlake.
2. Highlights of "A Year in Metascience" (25 minutes)
• Delivered by Dr Ben Steyn.
• Overview of the key achievements and milestones of the UK Metascience Unit over the past year.
• Insights into the impact of the unit's work on the UK research landscape and beyond.
3. Panel Discussion: Insights from Metascience Research Grants (25 minutes)
• Chaired by Stian Westlake
• Panellists: Representatives from funded projects (one from each of the research themes, and at least 2 with international partners)
• Topics: Discussion of what the funding will allow these projects to do and the potential impact on R&D policy.
4. Q&A and Discussion (25 minutes)
5. Forward Look (10 minutes)
• Highlights of upcoming activity from the UK Metascience Unit