The UK Data Service aims to establish additional ways to support the long-range use of its data and resources by new generations of researchers and analysts, extending this usage through the research partnerships they develop, by the students they teach and the partnerships and networks they participate in.
Applications are open for the 2023 cohort of the Data Impact Fellows scheme, which you can find out more information on and apply on our website.
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme aims to provide career development opportunities for researchers and analysts at a relatively early stage of their careers with a proven record of research.
In this post we introduce the panel of judges who will be reviewing the applications!
The Judges
Professor Scott Orford, Professor of Geographic Information Science, School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University
Scott specialises in the statistical and geographical modelling of socio-economic processes with a particular interest in housing markets and urban systems. Scott’s research is inherently inter-disciplinary and makes extensive use of secondary data including government survey data, administrative data, linked-data in safe settings and new forms of data such digital footprint data. Scott collaborates with a wide range of external partners including the Welsh Government and the Office for National Statistics. He works on projects which aim to make data easier to access and understand by non-academics and he currently leads on the Understanding Welsh Places website project.
Speaking about the Data Impact Fellows programme, Scott says:
“As researchers using the UK Data Service, you have the opportunity to analyse an ever expanding range of data sets allowing you to undertake innovative and important social science and policy research. The Data Impact Fellows Programme emphasises the next steps, providing you with skills, support and resources to ensure that your research targets the key stakeholders in policy and practice, and has a wide, positive impact on society.”
Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive, Childhood Trust
Laurence joined the not-for-profit sector in 2009 following a successful career developing, producing and distributing award winning animation and film content internationally. During his tenure as Director of Campaigns, Research and Communications at Kids Company, Laurence campaigned on issues such as childhood food insecurity, children’s services and child and adolescent mental health. He also created and directed a multi-university programme of neurophysiological and psychological child development research with partners including UCL, Cambridge University and Kings College London. He has extensive experience in bringing together and working with stakeholders such as professional membership organisations and institutes, corporate partners, journalists, philanthropists and donors to effect change for vulnerable children. Under Laurence’s leadership, The Childhood Trust has become London’s child poverty charity, raising £37m since 2013 to fund the delivery of 800+ projects to alleviate the impact of poverty for children in London.
Laurence says:
“The UK Data Service Data Impact Fellows Programme has never been more important, helping to build capacity and knowledge in data analysis and research methods, as well as improving the impact of research through better use of data. From promoting best practice in the use of data to the development of data-driven solutions to societal challenges the programme makes a critical contribution towards advancing data-driven research, improving data literacy, and strengthening the data ecosystem & data led decision making in the UK.”
Adam Corlett, Principal Economist at Resolution Foundation
Adam is a principal economist at the Resolution Foundation think tank. Adam’s research has focused on tracking and projecting household incomes and poverty and assessing tax and benefit policy options. His work frequently makes use of household survey data hosted by the UK Data Service, such as the Households Below Average Income datasets.
Adam says:
“There is a huge amount of valuable data available via the UK Data Service. But it’s only through analysis and creativity that new findings can be discovered and communicated to a wide audience, so it is great to see support for emerging expertise and ideas”
Dr Victoria Moody, Director of Higher Education and Research at Jisc
Victoria focuses on the delivery and implementation of Jisc’s higher education and research strategic themes, supporting Jisc to deliver a sustainable support and services across higher education and research supported by diverse revenue streams and partnerships. Her role involves senior engagement across Jisc, and with higher education, research and professional leaders in the UK and internationally. She is also co-investigator and deputy director of the UK Data Service and has worked with the Service for nearly 10 years. She bring expertise in research and innovation management and teaching and research impact, higher education and research and public sector data management, developing open data resources and information access rights in the public sector, and also public and voluntary sector policy development.
Victoria says:
“We’ve had a great variety of researchers involved in previous cohorts of the Data Impact Fellows scheme who were involved in some really important and interesting work. To be able to support them early in their research journeys and help them to see how vital impact is in their projects and work is a real positive that will hopefully help set them up for the rest of their careers. Not only that but the Fellows help spread the word about the UK Data Service and help build our network of experts and collaborators as we seek to collaborate and connect people working in these key areas over the next year.”
Applications for the Data Impact Fellows scheme are open until March 13th, you can find out more information and apply on our website. Please share this opportunity with anyone you think would be interested!