A small band of analysts working within European universities and funding bodies is using experiments, surveys, and other methods to improve how their institutions operate. Their efforts range from better distributing financial resources to uncovering unprofessional behaviour within their organisations.
This emerging group, known as internal metascientists—researchers who study the scientific process from within institutions—faces several challenges. Limited funding and resistance from senior leaders who may be reluctant to confront uncomfortable findings often hinder their progress.
At the University of Leeds, for example, an internal survey revealed a worrying percentage of staff had experienced or witnessed unprofessional behaviour. Catherine Davies, a language development professor who helped conduct the study, explained that the results uncovered some uncomfortable truths that were difficult to share openly.
Davies shared these insights with delegates at the Metascience 2025 conference held in London in July this year, highlighting both the importance and the challenges of improving institutional culture through such internal investigations.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/how-run-experiments-your-own-research-organisation