Designing Research

A Seminar and Conference Series at the University of London...

In a time of financial constraint but also technological innovation, the federal University of London has an important opportunity to consider strategic shared services and partnerships. Senate House Libraries, in their role of supporting arts, humanities and social sciences research across the federation is pleased to host four seminar days for colleagues in libraries, IT and academic departments from all Colleges of the University of London. Each interactive seminar will focus on a key area of potential collaboration where the federation might benefit from working together. The series will lead to a major national conference on the theme of Designing Research, to be held at Senate House in June 2012.

Design plays a part in almost everything we do, as librarians, technologists and as academics. This innovative series will explore ways in which the design of services, products, environments and research processes could be considered both in terms of collaboration and in new practices and shared services. Throughout the series there will be a practical focus on how we can work more efficiently using the great combined resources of the University of London.

Seminar One – Designing Products and Services
This seminar will use examples and best practice from universities and other sectors to consider how the term, ‘products and services’ might be made relevant to an academic setting.

Seminar Two – Digital and Physical Spaces
This seminar will explore the key relationships between digital and physical space in the research environment and will seek to redefine what it means to be a hybrid community.

Seminar Three – Web Futures
Specifically focusing on the rapid development of web technology and its related mobile devices, this seminar will investigate the potential for technology collaboration in the design and use of research environments.

Seminar Four – Partnerships and Collaborations
This seminar is intended to open the discussion on where the University can work more powerfully on the delivery of a research culture, and also to broaden those ideas to include new partners from beyond the HE sector.

London Designing Research Conference 2012
Following the four federal seminars, the first London Designing Research Conference will be a national event to consider the place and concepts of design in the UK research effort. Keynote speakers will provide thought-provoking views on how to best harness both technology and traditional research practices and spaces. The parallel sessions will echo the four seminars and will offer colleagues who attended the series an opportunity to present to a wider audience.

Seminar information
Wed 25th Jan 2011: Seminar One – Designing Products and Services
Wed 22nd Feb 2012: Seminar Two – Digital and Physical Spaces
Wed 21st Mar 2012: Seminar Three – Web Futures
Tue 15th May 2012: Seminar Four – Partnerships and Collaborations

Seminars are open to colleagues in libraries, IT and academic departments from all Colleges of the University of London.
Location: Senate House, London.
Attendance: Free.

Conference information
June 2012: London Designing Research Conference 2012
Further details, including cost of attending the conference will be made available soon.

Contact
Joe Honywill
Associate Director, Senate House Libraries, Digital Environments and Partnerships,
joe.honywill@london.ac.uk