| Zusammenfassung |
Current research skills training and capacity building often operate within rigid structures, requiring researchers to attend in-person workshops with a small number of experts, or completing generic online modules. This approach reduces potential engagement opportunities, impact insights and diversity of training that does not fit rapidly changing needs of researchers. The Research Capability Hub (RCH) is an innovative programme using Open University existing and innovative technology infrastructures with PolicyWISE’s four nations engagement and expert partnerships with UCL, Swansea, Queen's Belfast, Gothenburg and established networks (UKRI Future Leaders Fellows Development Network, SoLAR, Social Partnership Networks). This will enhance research skills training and capacity building for social scientists through scalable, co-created, and personalised approaches. Social Science research landscapes are evolving rapidly, with new data-driven methodologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and interdisciplinary approaches shaping how research is conducted. Researchers require adaptable training that not only enhances their methodological expertise but also connects research to impact, particularly in policy-making and social change. However, existing research training does not always align with the dynamic and changing needs of the research community and other stakeholders. The Challenge Traditional training approaches are often centralised, inflexible, and resource-intensive. These models limit accessibility, sustainability, and adaptability to different disciplines and learners’ needs. There is a gap in training provision that supports personalised learning journeys, fosters community-driven research skills development, and connects research with policy engagement. Moreover, as data-driven research gains prominence, research training must integrate emerging methodologies such as AI and interdisciplinary methods. Ensuring that researchers can apply their expertise effectively within policy and societal contexts is also crucial. The RCH addresses these gaps by delivering an inclusive, flexible, and scalable learning ecosystem in OpenLearn Create. Aims and Objectives Transform Research Training – Move away from centralised, top-down models to a flexible, co-created capacity building approach aligned with individual researcher needs by co-creating > 23 research methods courses jointly prioritised with stakeholders. Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion – Provide open-access, high-quality learning experiences through the established OpenLearn Create platform, allowing researchers to engage with training at their own pace, co-create new resources, and receive recognition. Foster Community Engagement – Establish a policy-linked federated, researcher-led structure where stakeholders collaborate in identifying training needs and co-creating learning pathways. Ensure Sustainability and Impact – Develop a self-sustaining model leveraging the Open University’s digital learning expertise and existing partnerships to ensure long-term impact. Expected Benefits and Impacts The RCH will generate substantial benefits for researchers, policymakers, and the broader academic community, including: Enhanced Researcher Skills Development – personalised training that aligns with > 15,000 individual researchers’ needs across all career stages. Wider Research Community Engagement – A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that connects stakeholders across diverse domains. Translating understanding of training insights into policy recommendations – Supporting researchers in translating findings into policy recommendations, bridging the gap between research and decision-making. Sustainable and Scalable Training Infrastructure – A cost-effective and proven ecosystem that maximises existing resources and avoids redundant efforts. By integrating AI-driven feedback mechanisms and evidence-based training methods, the RCH ensures that researchers receive relevant, high-quality support throughout their careers. RCH fosters a co-creation agenda, working with diverse research disciplines and methodologies, emphasising researchers interdisciplinary lifelong learning, and will be continually refined through the project’s performance evaluations. A flexible fund enables agile responses to evolving needs, with contributors leading innovation projects. |
