Meet the RDSS Group

What are Research Data Scientists and Stewards?

A Research Data Scientist (RDSc) designs and applies data science approaches to extract knowledge and insight from research data, while a Research Data Steward (RDSt) promotes best practices in research data management and usage and develops protocols and tools for managing and curating research data. Together, Research Data Scientists and Stewards bring professional-level skills in data management and cutting-edge data science and AI, enabling them to produce and implement reliable, efficient and reproducible data management and analysis solutions for research.

Our Research Data Scientists and Stewards collaborate with academics across faculties to solve problems in all areas of research. They work closely with RSEs, providing a seamless set of services to design, develop and implement novel computational and AI tools to enhance the quality of data-driven research and increase impact.

Meet the team

Following a significant investment in data science and AI skills at the University, the group is well placed to meet the ever-increasing need for specialist skills to enable data-driven research. The group currently comprises two Research Data Scientists and two Research Data Stewards, along with a Senior Research Data Scientist and Head of Research Software and Analytics to oversee and steer the work of the group. You can read more about each of them via the links below:

• Katie Finch, Head of Research Software and Analytics, Assistant Director of Research Services, and Interim Academic Director of Research Computing Infrastructure
• Craig Willis, Senior Research Data Scientist
• Conor Crilly, Research Data Scientist
• Finley Gibson, Research Data Scientist
• Dorothea Sieler Vellame, Research Data Steward
• Christopher Tibbs, Research Data Steward