Author
James Wilsdon
James Wilsdon is professor of research policy at University College London and executive director of the Research on Research Institute (RoRI)
21 pieces
Newest first, since November 2015 · page 1 of 2
· Comment
Beware the lure of simplicity in reforming the Research Excellence Framework
James Wilsdon argues that “low-bureaucracy” proposals to replace the REF are based on faulty calculations, and overlook the broader progressive potential of responsible research assessment
· Comment
Government adoption of metascience can make UK research work better and smarter
The science of science policy is a new priority for government. But, as James Wilsdon explains, it is a mature field and a lot of important work is already under way
· Comment
The Metric Tide, revisited
The authors of The Metric Tide and today’s long awaited sequel ask us to use data for good in research assessment, and to get league tables out of policy making
With Elizabeth Gadd and Stephen Curry
· Comment
Why pausing the REF makes sense but axing it doesn’t
Research England has announced a delay to the REF submission deadline. James Wilsdon dives into the details.
· Analysis
A requiem for impact?
With the government launching a major review of research bureaucracy and methods, James Wilsdon asks: is it the end of the road for impact measures in grant applications?
· Comment
Research on research is needed now more than ever
Marking the launch of a new research on research institute, James Wilsdon reflects on the challenges of making good research and development policy
· Analysis
Re-evaluating REF: have reforms changed how researchers experience the exercise?
James Wilsdon and Netta Weinstein draw on the findings of their real-time REF review to examine whether reforms have changed how researchers experience the exercise
With Netta Weinstein
· Comment
Deliver us from rankers
James Wilsdon feels that a new university ranking based on contributions to society is too little, too late.
· Analysis
Rethinking the life sciences strategy
James Wilsdon and Richard Jones argue that too much focus on biomedical sciences has left our research and innovation system unbalanced and vulnerable. Their report has been published by NESTA.
· Long read
Seven things we have learned from the launch of UKRI’s strategy
James Wilsdon casts an informed eye over the UKRI strategic prospectus.
· Comment
Why we need a Real-Time REF Review to plan for 2027
Netta Weinstein and James Wilsdon introduce the context and rationale behind the Real-Time REF Review pilot.
With Netta Weinstein
· Analysis
REF just got real: mist now clearing on the road to 2021
Changes to the research impact and environment sections of REF2021 highlight the way the wider policy landscape is changing. James Wilsdon makes sense of the latest decisions.
· Long read
Nine brains or megabrain: who’s making UKRI?
UKRI is starting to take shape behind the scenes. James Wilsdon has spoken to dozens of key players to lift the curtain on what promises to be a transformation in the UK research and innovation landscape.
· Analysis
Soft Stern or Hard Stern: how serious are we about reforming the REF?
As HEFCE launches its consultation on implementing the next Research Excellence Framework, James Wilsdon delves into the policy and political detail that the research community will now need to unpack.
· People
One chief to rule them all: who’s in the frame for the top job at UKRI?
The application process for one of the most important jobs in UK HE is under way. James Wilsdon examines what the government might be looking for and who best fits the bill.
· Analysis
Growing concerns over blueprint for UKRI and research
There are growing grumbles about UKRI and the Higher Education and Research Bill’s proposals for the research landscape. James Wilsdon unpicks the concerns and grumbles and sets out how they might influence the debate as
· Analysis
UKRI if you want to: how to read the new research landscape
With the White Paper making big changes to the research funding and policy landscape, James Wilsdon reviews the new landscape.
· Analysis
Consensus and conflict: what do responses to Stern tell us about the future of the REF?
James Wilsdon has been analysing responses to the Stern review of the REF from different parts of the sector and asks what various trends and conflicts across the responses tells us about the REF review and its likely fu
· Analysis
Time for a Stern, hard look at the REF
As Lord Stern is tasked with reviewing the REF, James Wilsdon sets the context for the review – where it came from, what it needs to look at, and why the review brings an opportunity to reframe the research debate.
· Analysis
Nurse’s watery prescription for research
Following the Nurse Review of research councils, James Wilsdon reviews the long-awaited report and takes the temperature of the policy community finding that the Nobel Laureate has published something watery and unlikely