Information School News

Blog post: My new role at the Society for Spanish Researchers in the UK Dr Antonio de la Vega de Leon

Last week I became the secretary of the Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK (SRUK) and I am excited for the role (and a bit overwhelmed). I first met members of the Society shortly after I came to the UK in 2016, thanks to a science outreach event they had organised at the University of Sheffield. Since then, I became more involved with them, helping organise science outreach events throughout Yorkshire and making many friends. Before taking the role of general secretary, I was the secretary of the Yorkshire constituency for two years.

The Society has given me much over the years. My first research supervisory experience was with Elisa, an undergraduate student from Madrid that stayed with us at the iSchool for the summer funded through a SRUK mobility programme. I had the chance to visit the Spanish Embassy for the Emerging Talent Award they organise. I have also gained experie…

Blog: My year as a Data Science student Syeda Gulnoor Zahra  Data Scientist has been classified as the ‘sexiest’ job of the 21st century by the Harvard Business Review. This explains its popularity and hype all around the world. MSc Data Science is also one of the most popular courses offered by the Information School (iSchool) and has a higher eligibility criterion than other courses to ensure the quality of the course. The iSchool at The University of Sheffield has been ranked Number 1 in the UK. Choosing to study this course at iSchool has proven to be one of my best decisions. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with you as both an MSc Data Science student and as a Student Ambassador at The University of Sheffield. 
The course offers many interesting and technical modules. Out of which, my favourite ones have been Data Visualization, Database Design, Big Data Analytics and Data Mining (Machine Learning). From learning multiple software, computing p…

Media: iSchool Video Blog with Professor Peter BathProfessor Peter Bath


Interview with Peter Bath, iSchools European Regional Chair, University of Sheffield - #4 from iSchools Inc on Vimeo.iSchools European Regional Chair and Executive Committee Member, Prof. Peter Bath, discusses the effects on working practices for academics during the COVID-19 pandemic and explains how it impacts his research and supervision of his PhD students.

New Book: Open Access in Theory and PracticeProfessor Stephen Pinfield

A new book, By Stephen Pinfield, Simon Wakeling, David Bawden and Lyn Robinson has been published today in hardback and Open Access form. 
Professor Stephen Pinfield worked with alum, and former member of staff, Simon Wakeling and colleagues from City, University of London. 
Open Access in Theory and Practice investigates the theory-practice relationship in the domain of open access publication and dissemination of research outputs.
Drawing on detailed analysis of the literature and current practice in OA, as well as data collected in detailed interviews with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, the book discusses what constitutes ‘theory’, and how the role of theory is perceived by both theorists and practitioners. Exploring the ways theory and practice have interacted in the development of OA, the authors discuss what this reveals about the nature of the OA phenomenon itself and the theory-practice relations…

Press: University support package hailed as 'creative and clever'Professor James Wilsdon

A university bailout package announced by the government in the wake of the coronavirus crisis has been welcomed by research policy analysts.
Announced on 27 June by business secretary Alok Sharma, the package includes loans to make up for the unexpected loss of a cross-subsidy from international students, plus £180 million to support salaries and laboratory costs.
James Wilsdon, a professor of research policy at the University of Sheffield and director of the Research on Research Institute, told Research Professional News the package was “very welcome”.
Read the rest of the article on Research Professional News here.

Press: ECR Interview: Empowering the arts sector to tackle inequalities through dataDr Susan Oman

Our Lecturer, Data, AI & Society, Dr Susan Oman, has had some of her research highlighted by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
In partnership with Arts Council England, Dr Oman developed a new process to improve inequality measurement, including class background, in the UK cultural sector. Through funding from AHRC’s Creative Economy Engagement Fellowship scheme, Dr Oman’s research triggered the creation of a new network of arts and culture professionals working in publicly funded institutions which offers support in gathering and analysing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion related data.
Read more here.