Big Idea for a Big Challenge: Influencing Reproducibility on an Institutional Scale
Description
Objectives: To describe and evaluate the use of a library-sponsored national conference to influence institutional culture around reproducibility through awareness building. Methods: The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah created a national conference (Research Reproducibility, #UtahRR18) designed to increase awareness of research reproducibility issues in all disciplines, with particular emphasis on biomedical reproducibility issues. The 2018 conference included two keynotes with internationally known speakers, three panel sessions with local and external panelists, and a peer reviewed poster session. We marketed the conference to all those with any interest in learning more about reproducibility within our institution, regionally, and beyond. We utilized printed flyers, Twitter, mailing lists, the CTSA network, and lectures and presentations to advertise. Attendees at the 2018 conference were surveyed for their feedback, takeaway lessons, and suggestions for future events. Results: 130 individuals attended the conference, and 305 (as of August 29, 2018) either watched the live stream on YouTube or watched the archived video. Though most attendees were local, individuals also came from outside the state. All levels of academia were represented, from undergraduate students to Vice Presidents, with a particularly large group of graduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees. The attendees were also multidisciplinary, spanning humanities, social sciences, sciences, health sciences, business and management, and research administration. Of the 27 evaluation respondents, 20 (74%) respondents indicated the conference surpassed their expectations or goals. Regardless, many attendees called for additional content and training to meet the needs unmet to resolve this wicked problem. Conclusion: Libraries are positioned to help change culture institutionally through awareness-building, advocacy, and training.
Big Idea for a Big Challenge: Influencing Reproducibility on an Institutional Scale
Paper Session 3: The Future in Research II
Objectives: To describe and evaluate the use of a library-sponsored national conference to influence institutional culture around reproducibility through awareness building. Methods: The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah created a national conference (Research Reproducibility, #UtahRR18) designed to increase awareness of research reproducibility issues in all disciplines, with particular emphasis on biomedical reproducibility issues. The 2018 conference included two keynotes with internationally known speakers, three panel sessions with local and external panelists, and a peer reviewed poster session. We marketed the conference to all those with any interest in learning more about reproducibility within our institution, regionally, and beyond. We utilized printed flyers, Twitter, mailing lists, the CTSA network, and lectures and presentations to advertise. Attendees at the 2018 conference were surveyed for their feedback, takeaway lessons, and suggestions for future events. Results: 130 individuals attended the conference, and 305 (as of August 29, 2018) either watched the live stream on YouTube or watched the archived video. Though most attendees were local, individuals also came from outside the state. All levels of academia were represented, from undergraduate students to Vice Presidents, with a particularly large group of graduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees. The attendees were also multidisciplinary, spanning humanities, social sciences, sciences, health sciences, business and management, and research administration. Of the 27 evaluation respondents, 20 (74%) respondents indicated the conference surpassed their expectations or goals. Regardless, many attendees called for additional content and training to meet the needs unmet to resolve this wicked problem. Conclusion: Libraries are positioned to help change culture institutionally through awareness-building, advocacy, and training.