Research on Research

Research on Research (RoR), also referred to as meta-research or science of science, is about the study of research processes and practices, such as the role of peer review in assessing scientific quality. RoR identifies and evaluates current practice to generate evidence-based recommendations aimed at ensuring high quality and robust research, best practice and enhanced research management across the whole research community. Through increased sharing and comparability of research practice evidence we aim for better use and re-use of research.

One of the NIHR RoR programmes is based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC) in Southampton. Our research focuses on research management practices and processes, delivery and dissemination of research among funders and the wider research community. This can be from the point of commissioning research through to dissemination and implementation of research.

Our primary aim is to investigate specific processes and practices within the NIHR and the wider research funding community that are in line with strategic priorities, and to provide robust evidence in order to:

• Build and contribute to the evidence base for research funding and management practice within and beyond NIHR
• Encourage critical reflection on research funder practice, informed by best evidence to drive development and improvement
• Deliver evidence that encourages our stakeholders to use and engage with our research
• Build on areas of innovation, impact and value adding approaches to further improve the quality of research and knowledge mobilisation.

RoR is constantly evolving to ensure longer-term sustainability and to maximise the value of research outputs to the NIHR and the wider research community. All of our research focuses on addressing gaps in the evidence base, adding value by generating new evidence, and is of interest to the NIHR as well as other research funding organisations. Expected outcomes are focused and contribute to the wider research landscape in terms of transparency, reproducibility, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process.

Building and connecting global communities to enhance research through research

A collaborative team culture is important to us, and to foster a culture of work which enables us to undertake high quality, robust, ethical and applied research on research, we established a RoR study registry and hub . Take a moment to look at the video introducing the registry .

We are always interested in hearing from potential collaborators. If you have a research question or topic suggestion, or are interested in collaborating with us, please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] .

RoR team

Amanda Blatch-Jones – Senior Research Fellow

Hazel Church - Assistant Research Manager

Kathryn Fackrell – Research Fellow

Ksenia Crane - Research Fellow

Katie Meadmore – Senior Research Fellow

Alex Recio-Saucedo – Senior Research Fellow

Find out more about the RoR team.

Contact details

email: [email protected]
tel: 023 8059 7565