Submitted by Hannah Pawson on Tue, 15/04/2014 - 16:08
RCUK has recently announced the outcomes of a project aimed at enabling all seven Research Councils to implement a harmonised research outcomes gathering system by September 2014. A summary of this announcement can be found below.
Currently researchers are required to submit information using two online systems: Research Outcomes System (ROS) and ResearchFish. ROS is currently used by AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC and NERC; ResearchFish is used by MRC and STFC, as well as other funding organisations, such as medical charities and health research funders.
In 2013 the Research Councils undertook the first phase of a project to increase commonality in the way in which research outcomes are gathered, in response to feedback from the research community and as part of a wider move to greater harmonisation across the Councils. The second phase of the project was initiated in January 2014 to implement a common user experience for providers of research outcomes data, and finalise a common data model across the Research Councils.
Project Update
During March 2014 all seven Research Councils tendered for the provision of a research outcomes collection service. A preferred supplier has been identified and contract negotiations have begun. Good progress has also been made on the agreement of a common data model for research outcomes collection by the Councils. Preparations are now underway to introduce the new harmonised system by September. This update outlines the first steps in the process and the impact this will have on submission of data in the run up to the launch of the new system.
ROS system data migration - Data Freeze
In order to prepare current data for migration the ROS system will be frozen at the end of 30 April 2014 - no further changes to ROS data will be possible after this date. Data in ROS at the end of April will be migrated into the common data model. When the Research Councils' single harmonised system is live in September researchers will be able to change and update data, guidance will be issued on this later.
Researchfish data migration
The differences between the new common data model and the Researchfish data structure are smaller. The current Researchfish system will remain open for data entry and changes until nearer the launch of the harmonised system as migration will require less time. Details for the Researchfish system will follow at a later date.
Further guidance
Full information and guidance will be issued in due course for both researchers and research offices on use of the harmonised system. Queries related to the Research Outcomes Harmonisation Project should be directed to roh@rcuk.ac.uk