UCMeta

UCMeta is a network of researchers interested in meta-research. We aim to work with stakeholders in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury, including Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu. 

Our research approach is characterized by:

• the use of state-of-the-art techniques to synthesize knowledge within and across disciplines
• conducting replications of influential research
• encouraging the practice of open science in both research and teaching
• investigating the extent of science’s irreproducibility problem
• proposing solutions to improve scientific reliability

At the local level, we aim to work with stakeholders in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury, including Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu, to identify quantitative and qualitative research that supports evidence-based decision-making. We will apply advanced research synthesis methods, including meta-analysis, to analyse existing research that is focused on identifying successful policy initiatives. We will supplement this with replication of existing research to confirm its soundness for evidence-based policy-making.

Further, we will partner with stakeholders to make data and supporting research materials transparent and open access. One of the great hindrances to research integrity is that researchers do not commonly make their data and supporting materials openly available and transparent. We will work with our partners to set up processes that make this normative. This will multiply the impact of the research by allowing other researchers to re-analyse and extend the data.

By pooling resources across departments and colleges, we will facilitate transdisciplinary research. For example, we will combine meta-analysis skills from researchers across UC. The resulting, cooperative efforts will generate new collaborations across disciplines that support a meta-disciplinary approach to solving local and global challenges.