Dr. Thomas Saunders1, Ben Collings1
1Centre for Eresearch, University of Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
Thomas E. Saunders https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1780-0314. Tom is an Engagement Specialist in the Centre for eResearch at the University of Auckland where he coordinates the Centres digital research skills training programme. He is a co-organiser of ResBaz Aotearoa and a certified Carpentries instructor.
Abstract:
Researchers are increasingly using a variety of digital skills to produce high-impact, collaborative, and multidisciplinary work that meets funder and institutional expectations. They make use of skills to manage and analyse complex datasets, write software in a variety of programming languages, leverage version control systems to track changes and collaborate, and apply machine learning techniques to extract insights from large volumes of data. These skills are highly valued within academia, industry, and the public sector, particularly in light of the explosion in data, the rise of generative artificial intelligence, and the increasing emphasis on reproducibility in research.
However, there remains a digital skills gap between what researchers are taught as part of their programme of study, and what they’re expected to know to fully participate in research. As research organisations, we have a responsibility to ensure our digital research skills programmes keep pace with the needs of our research workforce by reviewing and refining the training we offer.
In this presentation we will outline how the Centre for eResearch at the University of Auckland is responding to the evolving needs, interests, and preferences within our research community. We will explore how our programme of training has developed over time, and the assumptions, values, and priorities that shape what we offer. Participants will come away with a better understanding of our approaches to researcher development, and the rationale for the choices we’ve made around content, format, and delivery.