X-Net: A UK-wide Cross-Disciplinary Training Network
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
The X-Net training network targets the interface between computational and mathematical sciences and biomedical research, forging links between disparate research communities. It will enhance the potential, quality and impact of cross-disciplinary investigators across the MRC Unit portfolio and beyond. X-net will connect cross-disciplinary researchers at different career stages and reveal career opportunities to STEM researchers who are motivated to address the most important biomedical questions of our era. One important focus will be on the key areas of big data and machine learning, identifying invdividuals from STEM backgrounds who can bring AI and statistical expertise into biomedical science.
Technical Summary
The X-Net training network targets the interface between computational and mathematical sciences and biomedical research, forging links between disparate research communities. It will enhance the potential, quality and impact of cross-disciplinary investigators across the MRC Unit portfolio and beyond. X-net will connect cross-disciplinary researchers at different career stages and reveal career opportunities to STEM researchers who are motivated to address the most important biomedical questions of our era. One important focus will be on the key areas of big data and machine learning, identifying individuals from STEM backgrounds who can bring AI and statistical expertise into biomedical science.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Description | Evidence provided to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | X-Net: A UK-wide Cross-Disciplinary Training Network |
| Organisation | University of Dundee |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The MRC HGU is leading this UK-wide Cross-Disciplinary Training Network initiative, bringing together partners from across academia and industry to dismantle obstacles currently impeding the career progression of young cross-disciplinary researchers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (PPU) at the University of Dundee is a key partner in X-Net. |
| Impact | Multi-disciplinary project spanning many different biomedical disciplines and with industry. Overcoming Barriers to Cross-Disciplinary Research: Final Survey Report https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/39337 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | X-Net: A UK-wide Cross-Disciplinary Training Network (Oxford) |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The MRC HGU is leading this UK-wide Cross-Disciplinary Training Network initiative, bringing together partners from across academia and industry to dismantle obstacles currently impeding the career progression of young cross-disciplinary researchers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Oxford is a key partner in X-Net. |
| Impact | Overcoming Barriers to Cross-Disciplinary Research WEDNESDAY 06 JULY 2022 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Final Survey Report https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/39337 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Overcoming Barriers to Cross-Disciplinary Research - Workshop and Online Survey |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The workshop consisted of interactive and discussion focused activities to find common barriers and start to find solutions to these in groups. Using pre-workshop anonymous survey data, the group discussed and defined what some of the common barriers are. Using case study stories, the groups then collectively started to think about what some of the solutions might be. Finally, there was time for individuals to start thinking about specific actions that will help overcome personal barriers through a short action learning activity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/39337 |
| Description | Preparing the roadmap: prioritising cross-disciplinary training needs with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This workshop provided extensive evidence how academia can improve the training of skilled cross-disciplinary scientists ahead of them joining industry. Knowledge, mindset and skill gaps were identified, and the lack of porosity between academia and industry identified. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://x-net.bio/ |