I am writing to briefly update you on some IC4RS planning for 2025 (& beyond) …which I hope that you will find inspiring!
New Monthly IC4RS Research Training Webinar Series
“Advancing Responsible Science: The IC4RS & InSPiR2eS Webinar Initiative”
To improve active ongoing engagement within InSPiR2eS, the plan is to instigate a series of monthly research training webinars for the IC4RS community. Aimed at all researchers, regardless of experience, the primary focus will be on helping and mentoring novices. For some tentative specifics about the proposed 10 webinar topics see the PDF attached.
Generally, my current thinking is:
- Scheduling: 1st Wednesday of each month (late pm GMT+10 = late morning in Europe, early morning in Americas).
- Duration: 60-90 minute sessions.
- Nature: Mostly “plenary” style, though some sessions could be panel-based.
- Recording: Video recorded for research training purposes.
- Tentative Monthly schedule:
- January 2025 will be the IGPRC2024 Grand final.
- February to November 2025 will be the 10 webinars outlined in the attached.
- December would be a Christmas break …
If you have an interest & adequate expertise/experience in any of these topics AND you would like to volunteer to be on a panel (should one be formed) … PLEASE let me know ASAP, so that we can discuss the viability.
Additional Resource Development
Assisted by AI, my plan is to roll out a series of new SSRN working papers focused on research training and capacity building topics that augment the growing set of IC4RS resources. The latest addition to this SSRN series is on “reverse pitching” (uploaded today!):
Faff, Robert W., Reverse Pitching Matters …! Deconstructing existing Research Papers using the Pitching Research Framework (October 21, 2024). Available at SSRN:https://ssrn.com/abstract=4994220.
Indeed, there are now > 50 SSRN working papers in the set … see the WORD file attached.
I have plans to create more … including one titled something like: “Research Feedback and Assessment Matters! … the next BIG step for the PRF”
I am open to suggestions for topics (in the intersection of PRF and Responsible Science) that you think would be valuable … especially, if you are motivated and keen to collaborate with me on writing such a paper! … PLEASE let me know ASAP, so that we can discuss the viability.
Africa Calling…!
I am working on taking IC4RS on a “roadshow” to Africa for about 3-4 weeks in August/September 2025. An anchor point for the trip will be the AAFA conference in Uganda in early September. I am looking forward to working closely with the African-based nodes to make this a truly memorable experience … in line with the mission & vision of IC4RS! Thank you in advance …!
IC4RS Vision & Goal
The InSPiR2eS Centre for Responsible Science (IC4RS) provides a virtual platform for like-minded researchers to promote and engage in the principles and practices of Responsible Science. The primary vision and goal of IC4RS is to meaningfully facilitate a conducive environment, motivations, and incentives for the next generation of researchers to deliver high quality research that is credible, relevant, and independent. Moreover, the underlying vision of the IC4RS is to service, at scale, remote and under-resourced locations around the globe where research training and capacity building in line with the principles of Responsible Science, is, at best, a monumental challenge and, at worst, entirely non-existent.
