1) The document discusses the formation of a Special Interest Group (SIG) at Newcastle University to connect people and share best practices around responsible research metrics and monitoring research assessment transparently. 2) In its first year, the SIG helped author the university's policy statement on responsible metrics and contributed to workshops on research culture. Activities included collaborating with other departments to use metrics to boost partnerships. 3) Future plans for the SIG include increasing awareness of the university's stance on responsible metrics, diversifying researcher profiles, and ensuring appropriate use of metrics and data analytics tools.

1. ncl.ac.uk
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Responsible metrics
Setting up your own cross service, cross faculty community
of practice
Aimee Watson-Cook
Newcastle University

2. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Newcastle University Research Culture
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Summer
2022
April
2021
Winter
2015
Spring
‘21
2020 Spring‘21
2016-18 2018-20
2017

3. University Library. Explore the possibilities. ncl.ac.uk/library
Deus Ex Machina

4. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Special Interest Groups proposal
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5. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Newcastle University Research Culture
5
Summer
2022
April
2021
Winter
2015
Spring
‘21
2020 Spring‘21
2016-18 2018-20
2017

6. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Formation of Special
Interest Group (SIG)
• SIGs: connect, share information
and good practice
• Organic growth, and (fortunately)
a good representative spread
• Our aim is to identify and promote
best practice for responsible
research assessment and
transparent mechanisms for
monitoring and reporting.

7. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
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8. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
SIG achievements & workstreams in debut year – getting
the word out
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• Co-authorship of the University’s Policy Statement on
Responsible Research Metrics
• Change of language around RM cross-institution
• Contribution to the first Skills Academy Research Culture
workshop: Towards Open Research
• Contribution to research culture consultation exercises and
workshops, including using the SCOPE framework for research
evaluation, facilitated by Dr Lizzie Gadd and Tanja Strøm.
the use of

9. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Further activities: the piper arrives in Hamlyn
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• SDG metrics mining with the Stats & Planning Office to boost
collaboration
• Smart Support training debut for previously uninvolved PS
staff
• Knowledge sharing with other Professional Services staff at all
levels.
• Casting a responsible metrics lens over our promotions criteria

10. From Newcastle. For the world.
Who contributes to our Research Culture?
Our ‘research community’: everyone involved in research

11. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Future plans: the revolution continues apace…
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• Investigate internal and external web presence with other
University services - marketing the stance
• Diversifying researcher profiles
• SciVal workshops to increase metrics knowledge and usage
• Appropriate use cases for metrics and data analytics tools
(e.g. SciVal)
• Dean of Research Culture – senior working group on
implementation of RM statement

12. University Library. Explore the possibilities.
Takeaways & Recommendations
Two key themes:
• Community and Collaboration
• Find the right people & the right mix to chip in
• Shameless self-promotion
• Share what you’re doing with everyone
• Opportunism
• A little healthy fear-mongering goes a long way
• Over-promise, have more confidence!
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13. Library Research Services
Library Research Services
https://research.ncl.ac.uk/lrs

14. DARTS8: Discover Academic Research
Training and Support