Research Technology for Impact

Technology: The Ideal Assistant for University Researchers 

When harnessed correctly, technology can handle tedious tasks, empowering researchers to dedicate their efforts to the most meaningful aspects of their work and seamlessly collaborate with peers across the globe. 

Academic researchers are cornerstones of our society and higher education systems. Their specialized knowledge, coupled with the creation and sharing of discoveries fosters progress, boosts a university's standing, and attracts top students. 

Technology has the power to transform a researcher's experience. It can streamline routine processes, facilitate worldwide partnerships, and guarantee their findings reach, impact, and invite critique from the widest possible audience. 

However, digital advancements have primarily focused on improving teaching and student life, occasionally leaving the potential benefits for researchers underexplored. 

A recent EY study (based on a broad international survey, interviews, and focus groups across the higher education sector) reveals that researchers often face obstacles hindering their work. 

Researchers, according to the study, crave the tools, technology, and computing capacity to support their endeavors. They desire ways to devote more of their precious time to groundbreaking studies in uncharted territories. 

Avantika Tomar, an EY-Parthenon partner specializing in higher education strategy, observes that researchers yearn to pinpoint knowledge gaps, nurture collaborations, and reduce administrative overload. 

While universities frequently commit to the equipment and computational power vital for cutting-edge research, they might need to give more attention to how technology can assist researchers in excelling across a broader spectrum. 

Expanding a Researcher's Capacity 

Researchers often find themselves facing the daunting challenge of meticulously combing through mountains of data to pinpoint potential research avenues. Tomar remarks, "As a past PhD student myself, I recall every topic idea seemingly already explored or under investigation somewhere. Information exists in a dizzying array of formats - articles, chapters, entire books, even blog posts!" 

Fortunately, digital platforms like ResearchGate and academia.edu can alleviate this burden. By strategically using keywords and subject areas, researchers can effectively filter relevant data and uncover those unfilled niches within their field. 

"The primary benefit," Tomar notes, "is saved time. Time researchers can redirect towards analysis and insights, rather than purely data gathering. This saving is crucial, as it unlocks more potential for innovation." 

Prioritizing Research, Minimizing Bureaucracy 

EY's findings indicate administrative tasks are a major source of frustration for researchers. The process of academic research is often burdened by paperwork, or systems requiring repeated data entry across unconnected platforms. Universities can uplift their research community by streamlining these processes via technology - ideally, a centralized digital hub supporting the complete research lifecycle. 

Building Relationships with Research Partners 

Technology also plays a vital role in connecting researchers, allowing them to exchange data and cultivate fresh ideas. EY's report highlights that effective collaboration platforms, secure data-sharing tools, and opportunities for in-person connection are highly valued by researchers. 

"It presents a challenge," Tomar explains. "Nurturing global research relationships takes considerable time and effort. Yet without them, publishing papers or securing invitations to relevant conferences becomes much harder." 

Digital communication tools – social media, podcasts, and video conferencing – fuel collaboration. They speed up interactions, simplify international teamwork, and allow for seamless exchange of data and concepts. This enhances research quality and broadens one's network of potential collaborators, a particular boon for those in specialized fields. 

Institutions that have embraced these technologies are already witnessing the rewards. As one Singapore-based research academic noted: "My collaboration with peers worldwide is exceptionally efficient. Our research progresses across labs in different countries, with everyone able to monitor results, analyze data, and speak to me or my team regardless of distance. Thanks to digital technology, it's an entirely new way of conducting science." 

However, we must not underestimate the value of face-to-face interactions, the kind that organically occur in traditional work environments. For optimal success, it's vital that universities support both online and offline collaboration. 

Universities also carry the responsibility of managing their collaborative tools and data systems with care, implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive research information, the report emphasizes. 

Amplifying Research Impact 

Even groundbreaking research faces limitations if it's not widely accessible. Digital tools empower researchers to broaden their reach and foster comprehension of their findings outside of purely academic circles. "Sometimes, it feels like academic research is just intended for other academics," reflects Tomar. "But data visualization tools can transform complex findings into formats accessible to policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public, maximizing the impact of the work." 

Digital advancements hold the potential to revolutionize academic research, increasing the likelihood that those discoveries find real-world application. Still, researchers must have access to the necessary hardware, software, and computational power. Complex online libraries, expansive databases, and sophisticated tools for statistics and modeling need to be available to the entire research community. 

"Sadly, these technologies remain inaccessible or unaffordable for some researchers," Tomar adds. "To truly harness technology's full potential, we must strive for wider accessibility." 

With commitment and the right tech strategy, researchers can dedicate their focus to the heart of their disciplines, navigating the road to world-class findings with fewer roadblocks. "We're moving in a positive direction," Tomar concludes. "The determination of academic researchers combined with the right technology is already reshaping research for the better." 

Embracing Open Access: Reaching a Wider Audience 

Technology also plays a critical role in broadening the reach of research through open access publishing. Traditionally, academic findings have often been locked behind subscription paywalls, limiting accessibility to those affiliated with well-funded institutions. Open access models change this, removing barriers and allowing discoveries to be shared freely with a global audience. 

"The impact of work that sits behind paywalls is inherently limited," says Dr. Eleanor Benton, a senior research fellow at the UK's Institute for Policy Studies. "Open access empowers researchers to reach not just their peers, but the broader public, those in less-developed nations, curious students... the potential audience expands exponentially." 

Many universities are actively embracing open access publishing, either through their own dedicated platforms or partnering with established online repositories. This shift democratizes knowledge, accelerating progress and ensuring those who could benefit most from research findings aren't excluded due to cost. 

However, Benton cautions, "There's a misconception that open access is free to the researcher. Often, institutions or researchers shoulder publication fees. It's essential that universities consider these costs when budgeting for research support." 

Clarity is Key: Communicating Research to the World 

Even with open access, research can still face the hurdle of complex, jargon-heavy language that limits its understanding outside academia. Technology can help here as well. 

Tools that analyze the readability of language, suggest simpler phrasing, and even visualize complex data make it easier for researchers to communicate their work in ways that resonate with the public, policymakers, and industry leaders. 

"Researchers are trained to communicate in a highly technical, specialized way," explains Dr. Benton. "But when your findings have the potential to influence policy, or inspire the next generation of scientists, making them comprehensible to a broader audience is essential." 

Initiatives aimed at fostering communication skills in researchers are also gaining traction. Workshops and training programs help them break down their work, utilize plain language, and even leverage storytelling techniques to engage non-specialist audiences. 

"It's not about dumbing things down," Benton emphasizes. "It's about clarity and finding ways to make complex ideas accessible. Technology can be an aid in this, but ultimately it's equally about the researcher's mindset." 

Balancing the Benefits: A Thoughtful Approach 

Like any tool, technology's impact on research is determined by how it's wielded. Universities play a pivotal role in guiding this, ensuring equitable access, ethical use, and a continued focus on the quality and rigor of research. 

"We can't allow technology to become a crutch that leads to shoddy science or a reliance on quantity over quality," warns Dr. Benton. " It should be in service of researchers, not a replacement for their expertise." 

Navigating the Data Landscape: Organization and Accessibility 

The sheer volume of research data generated today presents both opportunities and challenges. Effective data management is crucial for safeguarding findings, ensuring reproducibility of studies, and facilitating future collaborations. 

"Data is the lifeblood of modern research," says Professor Alex Greene, Director of the Institute for Computational Science at a leading UK university. "But without proper organization and storage, it becomes as useless as jottings on lost napkins!" 

Cloud-based storage solutions, centralized research data repositories, and tools for data tagging and metadata ensure that valuable information remains discoverable and usable over time. However, universities must invest in training and support to help researchers make effective use of these resources 

"It can't just be about providing the 'kit'," Prof. Greene warns. "We need to equip researchers with the skills to manage their data responsibly throughout the research lifecycle – not as an afterthought." 

Protecting Innovation: The Role of Intellectual Property 

As partnerships between universities and industry become more prevalent, navigating intellectual property (IP) rights and ownership is imperative. Clear policies and pre-collaboration agreements help safeguard the interests of both researchers and their institutions. 

"It's vital to address IP questions upfront," advises Dr. Sarah Parsons, Head of Research Commercialisation at a major Australian university. "It avoids misunderstandings and facilitates valuable partnerships, ensuring the potential for commercialization or real-world application is protected." 

Technology again steps in to help. Digital platforms can streamline IP management, track patent filings, and even offer tools to help researchers assess the potential commercial value of their discoveries. 

Balancing Progress with Responsibility: Ethical Use of Technology 

As researchers harness powerful analytical tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning, ethical considerations cannot be ignored. Universities have a duty to cultivate a culture of responsibility and transparency around the use of these technologies. 

"It's thrilling to think of all AI can achieve for research. Yet, bias encoded in algorithms or lack of explainability around results can have serious repercussions," cautions Dr. Parsons. "Institutions need to support researchers in understanding these risks and mitigating potential harms." 

Openness about methods, data sources, and potential limitations is crucial for building trust in research findings. This holds especially true where technologies like deepfakes or generative AI raise concerns about authenticity and the blurring of lines between the real and the artificial. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Research Technology 

The evolution of technology has been swift, and its integration with research is just beginning to reach its full potential. Looking ahead, universities need to prioritize adaptability and staying ahead of the curve. 

"We may not be able to predict the specific tools ten years from now," notes Professor Greene, "But we can invest in developing a research community that's comfortable with experimentation, quick to learn, and eager to collaborate across disciplines." 

Fostering partnerships between researchers, IT specialists, and data scientists within universities will be crucial for developing bespoke technological solutions and ensuring those tools are aligned with research needs. 

"It can't be a one-sided conversation where tech experts dictate solutions," Greene stresses. "Researchers need a seat at the table throughout the development process to make sure what's built truly serves their purposes." 

International Collaboration: A Global Research Network 

The rise of collaborative online platforms and the increasing focus on open science point towards a future where research is more borderless than ever. Universities can lead the way in fostering these global connections. 

"Sharing data sets, conducting joint studies across continents, pooling expertise - the potential for accelerated knowledge creation is immense," says Dr. Parsons. "Universities should incentivize these partnerships and develop the infrastructure to support truly international research." 

Challenges will inevitably arise, from managing the complexities of multi-national IP rights to grappling with varying data privacy standards across countries. Still, the benefits of a globally connected research network far outweigh the difficulties. 

Investing in the 'Human Factor': Training and Support 

Amidst all the excitement about technology, it's vital to remember that its effectiveness ultimately lies in the hands of researchers. Universities must invest not just in equipment, but in the training and ongoing support needed to turn their researchers into tech-savvy powerhouses. 

"Some researchers may initially feel apprehensive about new technologies," acknowledges Professor Greene. "Providing accessible, ongoing training creates confidence and empowers researchers to see tech as an asset rather than a hurdle." 

Fostering a culture where those well-versed in technology mentor their colleagues becomes equally important, ensuring knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the academic community. 

The Takeaway: Tech as an Accelerator 

Technology isn't a magic wand that guarantees research quality. It's a powerful tool that, when wielded thoughtfully and strategically, can propel researchers and institutions to new heights. 

Universities that prioritize technological investment, coupled with robust support, create an environment where their research community can flourish in an increasingly digital world. They give their researchers the best chance for their work to have a wider impact - shaping policies, driving advancements, and ultimately contributing to a better future.