(S8E7) Improving Research Quality with the UK Reproducibility Network: A Conversation with Marcus Munafò

In this week's episode of Research Culture Uncovered, Nick Sheppard speaks with Marcus Munafò, Professor of Biological Psychology at the University of Bristol and co-founder of the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN).

Formally launched in 2019, Marcus discusses how UKRN evolved over several years from discussions with colleagues including Lara Fortunato, Chris Chambers, Dorothy Bishop, and Malcolm Macleod.

In this episode we talk about:

• The challenge of research reproducibility including publication bias and questionable research practices, and Marcus's own experiences during his PhD.
• Giving evidence to the House of Commons Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee, where he discussed publication bias, incentive structures, and the role of Registered Reports to improve research practices.
• How UKRN is structured, with local networks, institutional members, and a stakeholder engagement group to foster collaboration with funders, publishers, and other organisations.
• Promoting transparency in research processes across different disciplines and support for independent initiatives like ReproducibiliTea and RIOT Science Club.
• The development of similar initiatives in other countries and territories to address research quality issues worldwide.

Links:

The UK Reproducibility Network (website)

Science and Technology Committee Wednesday 1 December 2021 - recording of oral evidence

Reproducibility and Research Integrity - House of Commons Committee report, with recommendations to government

Ioannidis, J.P.A. (2005) ‘Why Most Published Research Findings Are False’, PLoS Medicine, 2(8). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124

ReproducibiliTea

African Reproducibility Network

This episode of Research Culture Uncovered © 2024 by Research Culturosity is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 

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