[EN] Champions for Change in research: Imperial College London and Cambridge University
Nov 5, 2024
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Explore the vibrant champion schemes at Imperial College London and Cambridge University. Discover how these initiatives empower PhD students to tackle local software challenges and enhance research data management. Gain insights into the differences between the two programs and the critical role of Data Champions in fostering collaboration. Hear about the experiences of students facing legacy code issues and the impact of educational programs on their careers. The conversation reveals the importance of support networks in driving innovation within research communities.
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Quick takeaways
The champion schemes at Imperial College London and Cambridge University demonstrate the critical role of advocacy in fostering acceptance of research practices through localized support.
Cambridge University's extensive volunteer base for its champion scheme highlights the importance of engaging diverse disciplines to improve standards of research reproducibility and software engineering.
Deep dives
Challenges of Implementing Change
Implementing change within organizations is often met with significant challenges, including internal resistance and bureaucratic obstacles. A lack of acceptance from senior teams can further hinder the process, contributing to the high failure rate of change initiatives. Social scientists and management consultants have long been developing systematic models to guide organizations through these transitions. Notable models, such as Kurt Lewin's three-step model and John Kotter's eight-step model, highlight the need for involving stakeholders affected by the change for successful implementation.
The Role of Change Champions
Change champions play a vital role in easing the transition for organizations by advocating and supporting changes at a local level within teams and departments. By utilizing existing team members as champions, organizations can leverage their knowledge and expertise to facilitate acceptance and enthusiasm for new practices. A personal experience shared by a speaker illustrates the effectiveness of implementing agile software development through a champion scheme, reflecting on both the successes and challenges faced. This hands-on approach can foster a culture of collaboration and engagement as employees are empowered to drive change.
Comparing Champion Schemes at Two Universities
The champion schemes at Imperial College London and Cambridge University have distinctive focuses, with Imperial concentrating on research software and Cambridge on research data management. Cambridge's program, established in 2016, showcases a considerable volunteer base of approximately 180 champions across diverse disciplines, while Imperial's scheme, initiated recently, has around 15 paid champions. The involvement of volunteers at Cambridge highlights the need for effective community management to sustain engagement, as fluctuating participation can challenge program longevity. Both schemes demonstrate the importance of addressing specific institutional needs while offering pathways for researchers to improve their practices.
Future Priorities for Research Data Management
The champions’ programs at both universities identify future improvements and areas of focus that are critical for enhancing research practices. Cambridge University aims to build more champion involvement within underrepresented areas, particularly the arts and humanities, while also striving to improve the standards of reproducibility in research. There is also recognition of the need to foster a community for research software engineers, which has not yet been established at Cambridge. The ongoing dialogues with champions reveal a commitment to refining best practices and addressing the evolving landscape of research data and software utilization.
English Edition [EN]: In this episode I am looking at two different champion schemes: one at Imperial College London, focussing on research software and the other at Cambridge University for research data. My guests are Jeremy Cohen and Mike Bearpark from Imperial and Clair Castle, Sacha Jones and Lutfi Ben Othman from Cambridge University.