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Aquatic Mesocosm Experiments Investigating Where, When and How FAIR Data Get Published: Meta-research, 2017-2024
No full textThis study analysed 192 publications resulting from two EU-funded projects focused on aquatic mesocosm facilities, with the aim of understanding current practices in data publication and alignment with open science principles.
The analysis addressed three key questions:
a) How many datasets were published in repositories as standalone records, and how many were linked to a peer-reviewed scientific publication?
b) What is the typical time lag between the completion of mesocosm experiments and the publication of data and/or scientific papers?
c) To what extent do the resulting scientific publications comply with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles for data publication?
The accompanying tables correspond to these research questions and support the findings published in the following peer-reviewed article, available under Related Resource
A Framework-Based Exploration of Typologies for Climate Governance: Lessons Learned From the Edinburgh Climate Commission, 2023-2024
No full textThis research seeks to better understand if an independent climate governance partnership (CGP) could continue adding unique value in Edinburgh and, if so, investigate where is it best placed to contribute to the delivery of positive climate outcomes. To do this, the research utilises the lessons learned from the Edinburgh Climate Commission (ECC) to inform the development of a framework that explores 3 typologies for improved place-based climate governance. After selecting a recommended typology, the research goes further to outline 2 practical applications of this in Edinburgh. It also presents a checklist of 17 key considerations that must be accounted for when designing, setting up, running, evaluating and decommissioning a place-based climate governance model.The Place-Based Climate Action Network (P-CAN) seeks to strengthen the links between national and international climate policy and local delivery through place-based climate action. The Network is innovative in its focus on local decision making. Clear policy signals by the government are essential, but the key to continued climate action increasingly lies at the local level, with the participation of local actors, businesses and citizens. Important decisions about low-carbon business opportunities, renewable energy investment, urban transport, energy management, buildings efficiency and the management of climate risks are decentralised and taken across the UK.</p
Local Energy Systems: Institutional Maps of Great Britain, 2022
No full textThe purpose of this project was to explore the institutions and organisations that are shaping the development of local energy systems in Great Britain, comparing England, Scotland and Wales. The project was part of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).
Institutional mapping explores functional relationships and powers relevant to decision-making. It focuses on the key actors, their interactions, where power is located, who has the ability to influence and make decisions, and sources of funding. The objective is to create a (simplified) visual representation of the different groups and organizations within a community and their relationships and importance for decision-making. In order to explore the governance frameworks and actor networks for LES in England, Wales and Scotland governance mapping was carried out for the three jurisdictions. Draft institutional maps of local energy systems in England, Scotland and Wales were developed through a desk-based review of key organisations, (formal) institutions, rules, relationships and decision-making power based on a database of LES relevant strategy documents and policy instruments (data also deposited). These maps were validated based on interviews with energy system stakeholders to valuate accuracy, and explore informal agenda setting power, future policy needs and governance gaps. Interviews were carried out with a total of 21 people, across 18 organisations, including government, local authorities, distribution network operators, regulators, consultants and NGOs. Maps were revised and finalised based on interview outputs and published in September 2022. The institutional maps developed are deposited here together with the interview schedule.This project explored the development of locally integrated energy systems in Great Britain. It compared development across England, Scotland and Wales in order to investigate the interactions between the different policy frameworks across GB and the local/regional energy business models, partnerships and funding mechanisms in use.</p
Efficacy Data from a Randomised Control Trial Evaluating a Digital Mental Health Support Intervention for People with Parkinson’s, 2023-2024
No full textWe developed a web application (PACT app) based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support mental health for people with Parkinson’s. Here, we assess the acceptability of the PACT app and the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of using the app.
This was a two-armed parallel groups design with 2:1 allocation to the PACT app or waiting-list control and a single, post-intervention follow-up. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment and retention rate, intervention engagement and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Intention-to-treat principle was used for secondary outcomes analysis. Treatment effects were estimated using linear regression.
Fifty-seven people with Parkinson’s reporting mild or moderate psychological distress were randomised to 4 weeks of an ACT based app (n=38) or waiting-list control (n=19). Recruitment, retention rate, intervention use, and acceptability met our progression criteria. Intervention effects were largest for measures of depression (Hedges g = -0.96) and committed action (Hedges g = 0.87) and in the expected direction for all other outcome measures.
PACT is acceptable to people with Parkinson’s and with efficacy signal. A future larger trial to fully evaluate efficacy is needed.Objectives. We developed a web application (PACT app) based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support mental health for people with Parkinson’s. Here, we assess the acceptability of the PACT app and the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of using the app.
Methods. This was a two-armed parallel groups design with 2:1 allocation to the PACT app or waiting-list control and a single, post-intervention follow-up. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment and retention rate, intervention engagement and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Intention-to-treat principle was used for secondary outcomes analysis. Treatment effects were estimated using linear regression.
Results: Fifty-seven people with Parkinson’s reporting mild or moderate psychological distress were randomised to 4 weeks of an ACT-based app (n=38) or waiting-list control (n=19). Recruitment, retention rate, intervention use, and acceptability met our progression criteria. Intervention effects were largest for measures of depression (Hedges g = -0.96) and committed action (Hedges g = 0.87) and in the expected direction for all other outcome measures.
Conclusions: PACT is acceptable to people with Parkinson’s and with an efficacy signal. A future larger trial to fully evaluate efficacy is needed.</p
Borders, Boundary Mechanisms and Migration, 2021-2022
No full textThis project examined factors shaping civil society engagement with migration and forms of bordering through comparative international case studies exploring how social boundary activation mechanisms are articulated by civil society groups. In-depth interviews were carried out with state-civil society border workers at selected case study sites within Civil Society Organisations with national country wide remits. Case study areas were Czech Republic, Greece and the UK. Within the UK, some of the Civil Society Organisations were specific to Wales. Interviews address themes of boundaries, categorisation, discretion, civil society mobilisation and civil society/state interaction.WISERD celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over time it has grown into an international research institute that develops the next generation of research leaders. Our research brings together different disciplines (geographers, economists, sociologists, data scientists, political scientists) to address important issues for civil society at national and international levels. Our social science core provides a strong foundation for working with other disciplines including environmental science, engineering and medicine to transform our understanding and approaches to key areas of public concern. Our aim is to provide evidence that informs and changes policy and practice. This Centre will build on all previous WISERD research activities to undertake an ambitious new research programme. Our focus will be on the concept of civic stratification. This is a way of looking at divisions in society by focusing on the rights and obligations and practices of citizens and the role of civil society organisations in addressing inequalities in those rights and obligations. We will examine and analyse instances where people do not have the same rights as others (for example people who are migrants or refugees). We will also look at examples of people and groups working together within civil society to win new rights; this is referred to as civic expansion. Examples might include campaigns for animal rights or concerns about robots and Artificial Intelligence. We will investigate situations where people have the same rights but experience differences in their ability to access those rights; sometimes referred to as civic gain and civic loss (for example some people are better able to access legal services than others). Lastly, we will explore how individuals and groups come together to overcome deficits in their rights and citizenship; sometimes referred to as forms of civil repair. This might include ways in which people are looking at alternative forms of economic organisation, at local sustainability and at using new technologies (platforms and software) to organise and campaign for their rights. Our centre will deliver across four key areas of activity. First our research programme will focus on themes that address the different aspects of civic stratification. We will examine trends in polarization of economic, political and social rights, looking at how campaigns for rights are changing and undertaking case studies of attempts to repair the fabric of civil life. Second, we will extend and deepen our international and civil society research partnerships and networks and by doing so strengthen our foundations for developing further joint research in the future. Third, we will implement an exciting and accessible 'knowledge exchange' programme to enable our research and evidence to reach, involve and influence as many people as possible. Fourth, we will expand the capacity of social science research and nurture future research leaders. All our research projects will be jointly undertaken with key partners including civil society organisations, such as charities, and local communities. The research programme is broad and will include the collection of new data, the exploitation of existing data sources and linking existing sets of data. The data will range from local detailed studies to large cross-national comparisons. We will make the most of our skills and abilities to work with major RCUK research investments. We have an outstanding track record in maximising research impact, in applying a wide range of research methods to real world problems. This exciting and challenging research programme is based on a unique, long standing and supportive relationship between five core universities in Wales and our partnerships with universities and research institutes in the UK and internationally. It addresses priority areas identified by the ESRC and by governments and is informed by our continued close links with civil society organisations.</p
Machines, Platforms and Capabilities, 2019-2020
No full textThis project utilised mixed methods to examine the significance of different sectors of the gig economy within local labour markets, and includes the study of co-operative alternatives to more dominant forms of platform capitalism. Participants included drivers from a cooperative taxi company and cycle couriers employed by digital platforms, all working in Cardiff, South Wales. Interviews explored the participant’s experiences of job quality, patterns and routines in their area of employment. This research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the interviews also provide a snapshot of working in this sector during this period. In addition to the interviews, ethnographic analysis of cycle couriers’ daily routines was undertaken by accompanying them by bicycle. These journeys were recorded using GPS devices.WISERD celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over time it has grown into an international research institute that develops the next generation of research leaders. Our research brings together different disciplines (geographers, economists, sociologists, data scientists, political scientists) to address important issues for civil society at national and international levels. Our social science core provides a strong foundation for working with other disciplines including environmental science, engineering and medicine to transform our understanding and approaches to key areas of public concern. Our aim is to provide evidence that informs and changes policy and practice. This Centre will build on all previous WISERD research activities to undertake an ambitious new research programme. Our focus will be on the concept of civic stratification. This is a way of looking at divisions in society by focusing on the rights and obligations and practices of citizens and the role of civil society organisations in addressing inequalities in those rights and obligations. We will examine and analyse instances where people do not have the same rights as others (for example people who are migrants or refugees). We will also look at examples of people and groups working together within civil society to win new rights; this is referred to as civic expansion. Examples might include campaigns for animal rights or concerns about robots and Artificial Intelligence. We will investigate situations where people have the same rights but experience differences in their ability to access those rights; sometimes referred to as civic gain and civic loss (for example some people are better able to access legal services than others). Lastly, we will explore how individuals and groups come together to overcome deficits in their rights and citizenship; sometimes referred to as forms of civil repair. This might include ways in which people are looking at alternative forms of economic organisation, at local sustainability and at using new technologies (platforms and software) to organise and campaign for their rights. Our centre will deliver across four key areas of activity. First our research programme will focus on themes that address the different aspects of civic stratification. We will examine trends in polarization of economic, political and social rights, looking at how campaigns for rights are changing and undertaking case studies of attempts to repair the fabric of civil life. Second, we will extend and deepen our international and civil society research partnerships and networks and by doing so strengthen our foundations for developing further joint research in the future. Third, we will implement an exciting and accessible 'knowledge exchange' programme to enable our research and evidence to reach, involve and influence as many people as possible. Fourth, we will expand the capacity of social science research and nurture future research leaders. All our research projects will be jointly undertaken with key partners including civil society organisations, such as charities, and local communities. The research programme is broad and will include the collection of new data, the exploitation of existing data sources and linking existing sets of data. The data will range from local detailed studies to large cross-national comparisons. We will make the most of our skills and abilities to work with major RCUK research investments. We have an outstanding track record in maximising research impact, in applying a wide range of research methods to real world problems. This exciting and challenging research programme is based on a unique, long standing and supportive relationship between five core universities in Wales and our partnerships with universities and research institutes in the UK and internationally. It addresses priority areas identified by the ESRC and by governments and is informed by our continued close links with civil society organisations.</p
Beyond Digital Boundaries: Identification of the Sentence With the Caret Symbol Marking the Position Where the Word Should be Inserted, 2022-2023
No full textThis project focuses on the insertion of missing words into Malayalam sentences, where the missing words are indicated by a caret symbol (^). The process involves a series of steps, including identifying the sentences with missing words, determining the appropriate words to be inserted, and accurately inserting them at the designated positions.
A specific example is provided to illustrate this process, where the sentence "നാളെ ^ വരും" is used to demonstrate the insertion of the word "അദ്ദേഹം", resulting in the complete sentence "നാളെ അദ്ദേഹം വരും". This process is crucial in language processing and editing, as it ensures that the sentences are accurate, meaningful, and effectively convey the intended message.
The project's objective is to develop an efficient and reliable method for inserting missing words into Malayalam sentences, thereby enhancing the overall quality and clarity of the language.This project focuses on the insertion of missing words into Malayalam sentences, where the missing words are indicated by a caret symbol (^). The process involves a series of steps, including identifying the sentences with missing words, determining the appropriate words to be inserted, and accurately inserting them at the designated positions.
A specific example is provided to illustrate this process, where the sentence "നാളെ ^ വരും" is used to demonstrate the insertion of the word "അദ്ദേഹം", resulting in the complete sentence "നാളെ അദ്ദേഹം വരും". This process is crucial in language processing and editing, as it ensures that the sentences are accurate, meaningful, and effectively convey the intended message.
The project's objective is to develop an efficient and reliable method for inserting missing words into Malayalam sentences, thereby enhancing the overall quality and clarity of the language.</p
Neurodiversity and Online Psychometrics: Metadata and Documentation, 2024-2025
No full textIn Study 1 (N = 314), we compared neurodivergent (n = 151) and neurotypical (n = 163) online test performance, completion time, mood (prior to and following test administration), ease of use perceptions, and online behaviours (in relation to platform use). Participants completed various online ability tests and a personality questionnaire, along with mood and usability surveys. Using statistical analysis on psychometric assessment and survey data, minimal differences in performance were observed, though neurodivergent individuals scored slightly lower on numerical ability and reported lower levels of Extraversion and Emotional Stability. Neurodivergent individuals also completed online tests more quickly on average. While neurodivergent participants reported lower mood overall (both before and after online test administration), there was no change in mood attributable to the online tests for either group. Both neurodivergent and neurotypical groups rated the assessments neutrally in terms of ease of use, with minimal negative behaviours observed.
Study 2 (N = 23) utilised qualitative methodology to explore subjective experiences of online psychometrics through 8 focus groups. After taking various online psychometrics, participants discussed their emotional responses, support needs, personal preferences, and feedback on the testing process. Both neurodivergent (n = 21) and neurotypical (n = 2) individuals reported similar experiences, such as the value of autonomy, interface simplicity, availability of breaks, and practice questions. Differences arose around language complexity, item ambiguity, need for accommodations, some platform feature preferences, and feelings of vulnerability, particularly among neurodivergent participants.
In Study 3 (N = 55), we examined how neurodivergent (n = 47) and neurotypical (n = 8) participants experience Situational Judgement Tests, focusing on variations in response format, hypotheticality, contextualisation, and scenario length. Using survey methodology, a slight preference was found for most/least response formats over graded rating formats. Furthermore, higher degrees of hypotheticality were preferred by most groups, whilst increased levels of contextualisation and shorter scenarios were preferred by all.The Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (Dig.IT) will establish itself as an essential resource for those wanting to understand how new digital technologies are profoundly reshaping the world of work. Digitalisation is a topical feature of contemporary debate. For evangelists, technology offers new opportunities for those seeking work and increased flexibility and autonomy for those in work. More pessimistic visions, in contrast, see a future where jobs are either destroyed by robots or degraded through increasingly precarious contracts and computerised monitoring. Take Uber as an example: the company claims it is creating opportunities for self-employed entrepreneurs; while workers' groups increasingly challenge such claims through legal means to improve their rights at work.
While such positive and pessimistic scenarios abound of an increasingly fragmented, digitalised and flexible transformation of work across the globe, theoretical understanding of contemporary developments remains underdeveloped and systematic empirical analyses are lacking. We know, for example, that employers and governments are struggling to cope with and understand the pace and consequences of digital change, while individuals face new uncertainties over how to become and stay 'connected' in turbulent labour markets. Yet, we have no real understanding of what it means to be a 'connected worker' in an increasing 'connected' economy. Drawing resources from different academic fields of study, Dig.IT will provide an empirically innovative and international broad body of knowledge that will offer authoritative insights into the impact of digitalisation on the future of work.
The Dig.IT centre will be jointly led by the Universities of Sussex and Leeds, supported by leading experts from Aberdeen, Cambridge, Manchester and Monash Universities. Its core research programme will cover four broad-ranging research themes. Theme one will set the conceptual and quantitative base for the centre's activities. Theme two involves a large-scale survey of Employers' Digital Practices at Work. Theme three involves qualitative research on employers' and employees' experiences of digitalisation at work across 4 sectors (Creative industries, Business Services, Consumer Services, Public Services). Theme 4 examines how the disconnected attempt to reconnect, through Public Employment Services, the growth of new types of self-employment, platform work and workers' responses to building new forms of voice and representation in an international context. Specific projects include:
1. The Impact of Digitalisation on Work and Employment
-Conceptualising digital futures, historically, regionally and internationally
-Comparative regulation of digital employment
- Mapping regional and international trends of digital technology and work
2. Employers' Digital Practices at Work Survey
3. Employers' and employees' experiences of digital work across sectors
-Changing management processes and practices
-Workers' experiences of digital transformation
4. Reconnecting the disconnected: new channels of voice and representation
- displaced workers, job search and the public employment service
- self-employment, interest representation and voice
Dig.IT will establish a Data Observatory on digital futures at work to promote our findings through an interactive website, report on a series of methodological seminars and new experimental methods and deliver extensive outreach activities. It will act as a one-platform library of resources at the forefront of research on digital work and will establish itself as a focal point for decision-makers across the policy spectrum, connecting with industrial strategy, employment and welfare policy. It will also manage an Innovation Fund designed to fund novel research ideas, from across the academic community as they emerge over the life course of the centre.</p
Weather Warning Decision Process: Transcripts from the Met Office Summer Testbed, 2024
No full textA weekly experiment was conducted for five weeks in June/July 2024 as part of the Met Office summer testbed.
Testbed participants, comprised of meteorologists from Met Office, other national meteorological services, and academic institutions, were divided into three groups, and asked to consider warnings for the following week, creating pseudo warnings for that period as required. Because the group activity required discussion and collaboration, it was an opportunity to hear the decision process play out as deliberations were verbalised.
These discussions were recorded via MS Teams, with analysis of the transcripts enabling initial detection of a variety of decision considerations.Across the meteorological sector there is a move towards automation of products and services, which will include increasing the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. This is generally regarded as a positive direction of travel, enabling expert operational meteorologists (OpMets) more time to devote to tasks for which they add significant value, such as customer advice, decision-support and consultancy, as well as providing expert judgment for critically important services. One such example is the National Severe Weather Warning Service, a flagship service provided by the Met Office to keep people in the UK safe.
This research aims to address a gap on impact-based forecasting decisions, by explicitly describing, analysing and critically reflecting on the decision-making process used by OpMets when issuing national severe weather warnings. This includes analysis of how decision-makers navigate this complex decision space, for example the use of tacit knowledge and heuristics, and the potential for errors in judgement such as cognitive biases.
This research was conducted through qualitative techniques, including observation of 15 experimental group activities, semi-structured interviews with seven OpMets, two Hydrometeorologists and one Civil Contingency Advisor, and ethnographic observation of two operational shifts.
We find that the decision process is complex and multifaceted, requiring significant experience, insight and expertise, and the incorporation of many sources of information including tacit knowledge. The results provide insight for considering how the decision process might be improved, made more robust, and more consistent, and has implications for the future of operational meteorology, and the role and value of human judgement. Additionally, this novel identification of decision factors will be beneficial for training OpMets moving into a role where impact-based forecasts and warnings are part of the job, as well as essential guidance for meteorological services around the world, looking to implement impact-based services.</p
Cyber Security Longitudinal Survey: Wave 4, 2025
No full textAbstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The Cyber Security Longitudinal Survey (CSLS) helps us better understand cyber security policies and processes within medium and large businesses and high-income charities. It explores the links over time between these policies and processes and the likelihood and impact of a cyber incident. The survey is commissioned by The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and aims to support the Government by providing evidence that can inform policies which help to make Britain a safer place to do business online. This is the fourth research year (or wave) of a multi-year study. The fourth wave of fieldwork was carried out during 2024, with the report published on 6 February 2025.
The core objectives of the study are to:
explore how and why UK organisations are changing their cyber security profile and how they implement, measure, and improve their cyber defences.provide a more in-depth picture of larger organisations, covering topics that are lightly covered in the main Cyber Security Breaches Survey (also available from the UK Data Archive), such as corporate governance, supply chain risk management, internal and external reporting, cyber strategy, and cyber insurance.explore the effects of actions adopted by organisations to improve their cyber security on the likelihood and impact of a cyber incident.
Further information and additional publications can be found on the GOV.UK
Cyber Security Longitudinal Survey pages.
Wave 1-3 data from the Cyber Security Longitudinal Survey can also be found on the UK Data Archive under SNs 8969, 9067 and 9284 respectively.Main Topics:The questionnaire covered the following topic areas:cyber profile of organisationscyber security policies and processes and any improvements made over the last 12 monthssupplier risksinfluencers of changes in policies and processesuse and forms of cyber insuranceboard engagement with cyber security use of information or guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to inform approach to cyber securitycyber security incident prevalence, impact and costscyber security incident management</ul