The UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure Programme’s response to the ‘Mapping federation journeys’ report
Jisc welcomes UKRI’s response to the 'Mapping federation journeys for optimising the UK digital research infrastructure' report.
Jisc welcomes UKRI’s response to the Mapping federation journeys for optimising the UK digital research infrastructure report, which analyses the potential for extending collaborative and federated digital research infrastructure (DRI) for a resilient, sustainable and inclusive research and innovation sector.
The report demonstrates the vital role digital research infrastructure plays in supporting inclusive, collaborative and sustainable research and innovation systems across the UK and internationally.
In its response, UKRI, said:
“Jisc’s report presents a roadmap for optimising DRI asset utilisation across disciplines and users. By leveraging these recommendations, as well as working with key partners, stakeholders and members of the research and innovation communities, UKRI can shape future actions that foster collaboration, promote joint strategies, and ultimately empower researchers and innovators across the UK to achieve breakthrough discoveries.”
Jisc particularly welcomes UKRI’s commitment to the principles of federation and interoperability. Both have been a feature of Jisc’s work and future planning for many years and we look forward to applying our long experience and knowledge to realising these aspirations which will help to foster collaboration and reduce barriers to research.
UKRI’s response outlines details of its plans and focuses around DRI and these reflect many of the recommendations in the Jisc report, including support for collective engagement with suppliers of technology for research, skills development, developing DRI which supports trusted and secure research, and a commitment to the sustainability of the UK’s infrastructure.
The sustainability of the UK’s research infrastructure is a complex challenge. With UKRI and in partnership with higher education institutions and sector bodies, Jisc aims to find ways to help all organisations involved in research and development to collaborate and innovate, and respond to new technologies, effectively, securely and at scale.
There is an appetite for improved ways of working and increased collaboration across the sector. The findings and continuing this conversation will help us develop a more coherent approach to sharing what works and changing what doesn’t, using data, digital and technology solutions.
Victoria Moody, director of HE and research, Jisc, said:
“We welcome this response from UKRI and are delighted to see the commitment to the principles our report outlined as vital to the future of UK research. The right digital research infrastructure will support and promote collaboration, reduce bureaucracy and help the UK produce more high-quality research in innovative and sustainable ways.”