Salil Gunashekar

How do NIHR peer review panels use bibliometric information to support their decisions

Bibliometrics is widely used as an evaluation tool to assist prospective R&D decision-making. In the UK, for example, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has employed bibliometric analysis alongside wider information in several awarding panels for major funding schemes. In this paper, we examine various aspects of the use of bibliometric information by members of these award selection panels, based on interviews with ten panel members from three NIHR panels, alongside analysis of the information provided to those panels. The aim of the work is to determine what influence bibliometrics has on their decision-making, to see which types of bibliometric measures they find more and less useful, and to identify the challenges they have when using these data. We find that panel members broadly support the use of bibliometrics in panel decision-making, and that the data are primarily used in the initial individual assessment of candidates, playing a smaller role in the selection panel meeting. Panel members felt that the most useful measures of performance are normalised citation scores and the number or proportion of papers in the most highly cited X% (e.g. 5, 10%) for the field. Panel members expressed concerns around the comparability of bibliometrics between fields, but the discussion suggested this largely represents a lack of understanding of bibliometric techniques, confirming that effective background information is important. Based on the evidence around panel behaviour and concerns, we set out guidance around providing bibliometrics to research funding panels.

Bibliometric analysis of highly cited publications of biomedical and health research in England, 2004–2013

This report presents a bibliometric analysis of biomedical and health research in England, 2004–2013. It is intended to support the shortlisting and selection of the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centres in England.

Open science: The citizen's role in and contribution to research

O pen science can be thought of as a movement or an evolution in the research process. It relates to how scientists interact with one another and how the public engages with and is engaged in science. It also relates to societal expectations about the imperative to share results – particularly those obtained through publicly funded research. In practical terms, open science can be seen as a systemic change in the way research is conducted, affecting steps throughout the research process, from idea generation, planning and design, through to the outputs and impacts of research further along in the process. Linking these changes towards openness is a shift in our understanding of the role of science in society that, some have argued, is bringing back values that have been overshadowed in modern science, such as a spirit of exploration (Lichten et al. 2014) and an appreciation for sharing knowledge (Könneker & Lugger 2013). Digital technology has enabled radical changes in how we

Digital Currency and the Future of Transacting

D igital technology has not just changed the way that we communicate with one another, it has allowed new platforms and mediums of transaction to emerge which could fundamentally alter the nature of how we organise the exchange of goods and services. Early message services allowed potential buyers and sellers to connect and arrange offline exchanges; improved encryption methods allowed the direct communication of bank account details; the growing numbers of web users facilitated websites and services based entirely on online advertising revenue; and improved payment and messaging systems facilitated the online presence of established businesses, the growth of niche online shops able to access a wider market, and dedicated e-commerce giants such as Amazon and eBay. At the same time, innovations in payment platforms have led to a diminishing role for physical currency, even

Accelerating the Internet of Things in the UK: Linking policy with practice

Using insights from Internet of Things (IoT) implementations and informed users of technology, RAND Europe carried out a study to support a process for policy feedback that will inform the development and adoption of the IoT in the UK.