The Researcher Engagement and Data Group (REDG) within Advanced Research Computing now comprises of 3.3FTE posts and engages with researchers across the University, from postgraduate level to senior academics, to ensure that they are aware of all the advanced computing facilities available to them through the Birmingham Environment for Academic Research (BEAR). The group also supports researchers to use our services through training workshops, 1:1 sessions and online learning materials. The team members are:
- Dr Stephanie Thompson – Researcher Engagement & Data Group Leader
- Aslam Ghumra – Research Data Management Specialist
- Debbie Carter – Research Training and Engagement Officer
- Yajie Zhang – Training Coordinator
Within the University of Birmingham, REDG plays a key role in supporting Advanced Research Computing (ARC). Focusing on High-Performance Computing (HPC) through the University’s BlueBEAR supercomputer, and storage for research data, REDG works to ensure that researchers across all disciplines have access to the resources they need. The team collaborates closely with ARC’s Research Software Group (RSG) and the Architecture, Infrastructure and Systems Group (AIS) to provide training workshops, one-on-one support, and online materials to help researchers use BEAR services effectively.
REDG also coordinates initiatives such as the BEAR Challenge and BEAR Champions program to promote collaboration and excellence in research computing. In addition to hosting tailored sessions, the team communicates regularly through blog posts, a monthly newsletter, and social media, keeping the research community informed about key developments and successes.
As part of their outreach, the REDG team actively participates in University events such as induction sessions, open days, the Staff Benefit Fair, and Thesis Submission event, where they hold stalls and deliver tailored presentations. By raising awareness of these resources, REDG helps to drive innovation and support the academic community at the University of Birmingham.
You can read more about the training and engagement activities throughout 2024 in the Researcher Engagement and Data Group annual report:
Group members
Stephanie currently leads the team – having originally been a researcher in biology, she brings a researchers’ perspective to needs around data management and research computing. She enjoys meeting researchers to spread the word about BEAR services at events around the University, and leading the voluntary group of BEAR Champions. Her interests include encouraging women into science and technology roles, from school children (as a STEM Ambassador), through to University students (via the BEAR Challenge). A particularly important role for REDG is to find out what researchers need, both via our BEAR Champions and more widely via the biennial ‘IT Needs of Active Research Survey’, which in 2022 led to extra funding to expand training workshops and support for them, with Yajie joining the team…
Yajie is the newest member of the group in the role of Training Coordinator, having joined in December 2023. Her role involves organising training and events, marketing, and writing technical content. One of her passions is data analysis, and she enjoys working with numbers to help analyse training feedback and develop new courses. Whilst she is new to the University and the world of High-Performance Computing, she is eager to learn and grow in this dynamic environment. Although she is still getting acquainted with everything, she is committed to improving her skills and building connections within Advanced Research Computing. She looks forward to engaging more with everyone and contributing to the fantastic work here.
Debbie is the Research Training and Engagement Officer for Advanced Research Computing. She supports researchers with their computing needs and helps spread the word to users about what BEAR can offer. She also co-ordinates our training provision and teaches on the Introduction to Linux course. You will often see her wearing bear ears to act as an icebreaker (we’re not scary IT people really!) and it also makes BEAR more memorable.
She hasn’t always worked in IT, having started out in libraries then moving to digital education, teaching and supporting users with using virtual learning environments to deliver course content. All her roles have had one thing in common – supporting users, particularly those who are not comfortable with using technology. She has an Arts background rather than STEM, so don’t let your qualifications put you off IT – there are a wide range of roles available, and a broader skill set including soft skills has its place, it isn’t just about being a programmer!
Aslam has been working for the University for nearly 20 years. He worked as part of the original BlueBEAR team, installing the storage, talking to users, and starting the training program. He likes to work with researchers to support them, whether new to the University or established, in whichever time zone they are.
So what does the Researcher Engagement and Data Group do?
- Work with various levels of the University to support inductions for new staff and PGRs, to ensure that they are aware of all the services and support available to them from the start of their research
- Help new and existing users to access BEAR services, either on campus or via Zoom, via drop-in sessions and Service Desk tickets
- Run events to encourage networking, such as the Digital Research Conversations, as well as showcase facilities we provide
- Support the creation and coordination of Special Interest Groups, to enable our users to come together to share knowledge
- Collect case studies to showcase how BEAR is used and publicise the amazing research – see a compilation in the Case Studies Volume 3 or all via the Case Studies blog post category
- Nominate high impact research performed on BlueBEAR for HPC Wire Awards
- Help users with their grant applications, Data Management Plans (DMP) and Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), in conjunction with the Library and IT Security
- Liaise with the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research to deliver the ‘IT Needs for Active Research survey’
If you would like to chat about our services, or have an issue using BEAR services then you can:
- Log a call via the IT Service Desk https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/bear/sd/other-bear-request
- Come along to our drop-in sessions
- Email us via bearinfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk
We look forward to hearing from you.