Feasibility study into the reporting of research information at a national level within the UK higher education sector

Abstract

This article presents the key findings of feasibility and scoping study into the reporting of research information at a national level within the United Kingdom, based on Common European Research Information Format (CERIF). The study was carried out by the Jisc-funded UK Research Information Shared Service (UKRISS) project. The reporting of research information to funders and statutory bodies is a major burden on researchers and institutions. The landscape for research reporting in the UK Higher Education sector is complex and fragmented. There is limited harmonization in reporting requests made on institutions and researchers, resulting in duplication of effort and limiting the potential for reuse of the information. The paper describes the current landscape for research reporting in the United Kingdom. The methodology and findings from a study involving interviews with a cross-section of major stakeholders is described. Recommendations for further work in the area are proposed. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.