'Citations Are Peer Review by the World'

Prof John Mingers

The research excellence framework - or REF - has become such an established part of the higher education landscape that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. Since 1985 it has provided the navigation points in a turbulent and changing landscape, marking progress and, like a modern day Lachesis, measuring the threads of individual research in readiness for Atropos’ shears.

As we gear up for REF2021 and wait to hear from HEFCE about what form it will take, it seems an appropriate time to take stock and question whether the game is worth the candle, and if the measurement of research should be undertaken differently.

Japanese Research Funding: the view from inside the JSPS

21 June 2017 12-2pm 

Cornwallis East SR1 

In February last year we ran a Global Research Opportunities Workshop (GROW) focussing on opportunities for collaboration and exchange with Japan. Following on from this I am delighted to say that we will be hosting a colleague from one of the main Japanese funders, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Naomi Hasegawa. She is spending a couple of weeks with us to understand the UK higher education environment, and how the management of research works within a UK university.

As part of her visit she will be giving an insight into the work of the JSPS, the funding it offers, and how it assesses proposals. JSPS offers a broad range of funding, including International Fellowships for Research in Japan, which are open to academics at any career stage.

As ever it’s free and open to all, and a light lunch will be available. However, do let me know if you intend to come so that I can make sure both room and catering are appropriate.

The Birdman of ARMA

On the opening day of the annual ARMA Conference, it seemed only fitting to honour one of ARMA's finest: Kent's former Director of Research Services, and now LSE's Director of the Research Division, Michael Keaton.

And I know what you're all thinking: what is a Hollywood superstar doing in the world of research management? But you're asking the wrong question. Really, the salient point here is why aren't there more Hollywood superstars battering on the ARMA doors, wanting to be let in?

Well, just because you don't hear them doesn't mean they're not there. I understand that the only reason that Eddie Redmayne took the Theory of Everything gig was to get near to the privileged ground of the Cambridge Research Operations Office. Similar story with Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind and Princeton Office of Research and Project Administration.

Beyond Its Natural End

Jes. No, not that one. 

When I was working at the Arts and Humanities Research Council a colleague was given the task of preparing procedures to revolutionise the application system.

“What, we’re going to share a common application form with all the other councils? With the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council? With the Medical Research Council?” I asked.

“Yes”, she answered simply. And while I scoffed, and was sceptical about the potential for the artists and lone scholars of the arts and humanities to find common ground with engineers and scientists, she was vindicated by history.

In 2002 the Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) system was born. At first people were horrified. It was just so...complicated. It seemed to ask for the same information multiple times. And all those attachments. But over the years people have become, if not exactly fond, then at least accepting of it.

But it has begun to show its age. Last autumn the research councils announced that they were going to replace the creaking system. “Je-S is no longer a viable product,” they admitted. “It has come to a natural end and this is a fantastic opportunity to design a smarter, simpler, more user-friendly service in line with the latest digital standards.” Say what you like about the research councils, but they are wonderfully optimistic.