### Transforming the Research Ecosystem with Analytics
Experts at the University of Kentucky are leading a national effort to enhance research analytics in higher education.
Enhancing Data-Informed Decision-Making
The 2025 Research Analytics Summit was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from April 6-9. It is the only national conference dedicated to improving data-informed decision-making in higher education research administration. The summit aims to bring together professionals from various sectors of higher education and industry to share best practices, address emerging challenges, and explore innovative strategies in research analytics, bibliometrics, and responsible research evaluation.
- The summit is led by Baron Wolf, Ph.D., UK director of research analytics, who stated that the event aims to foster a collaborative environment where professionals and industry leaders can exchange ideas and develop strategies to enhance data-informed decision-making in research.
- The summit features leading experts, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, with over 230 attendees and 56 speakers.
Session Topics and Highlights
- **Data-informed Strategic Planning**: Explore methodologies to integrate data analytics into strategic planning processes.
- **Enhancing Research Capacity through Analytics**: Techniques for utilizing data to identify opportunities for growth and development within research programs.
- **Optimizing Grant and Contract Management**: Best practices for leveraging analytics to streamline grant and contract administration.
- **Emerging Technologies in Research Analytics**: Overview of new tools and technologies shaping the future of data analysis.
- **Case Studies in Successful Data Implementation**: Real-world examples of institutions that have effectively integrated data analytics into their research administration processes.
| Session Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Data-informed Strategic Planning | Integrate data analytics into strategic planning to inform decision-making and drive growth. |
| Enhancing Research Capacity through Analytics | Use data to identify opportunities for growth and development within research programs. |
| Optimizing Grant and Contract Management | Leverage analytics to streamline grant and contract administration and ensure compliance. |
Industry Partners and Support
The summit was supported by industry partners, including Elsevier, Clarivate, Digital Science, and Deloitte, as well as several other organizations. The summit was planned by a steering community that included experts from various institutions and industries.
- **Conference Steering Committee Members**:
- Baron Wolf, University of Kentucky (chair)
- Lori Schultz, Colorado State University (co-chair)
- Andrea Christelle, Diné College
- Hansa Magee, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Dan Harmon, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
- Jennfier Freeman, Ontario Tech University (Canada)
- Michelle Hutnik, Penn State University
- Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gadd, Loughborough University (United Kingdom)
Research Analytics at the University of Kentucky
Research Analytics at the University of Kentucky is part of the office of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Decision Support (IRADS). The office supports the university’s research mission by providing analytics and decision support services to faculty, staff, and students.
Research Funding and Support
The research reported in this publication was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Award No. 2324388. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Conclusion
The 2025 Research Analytics Summit is a significant step towards enhancing research analytics in higher education. By fostering a collaborative environment and sharing best practices, the summit aims to advance the field of research analytics and support the success of research institutions nationwide.
