WISERD highlighted as ‘major resource’ in Diamond Review

A major review of university finances in Wales has highlighted the Cardiff University-based Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, Data & Methods (WISERD) as a major resource.

The Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance Arrangements in Wales led by Professor Sir Ian Diamond was commissioned in 2014 and focuses on widening access; supporting the skill needs of Wales; strengthening part-time and postgraduate provision in Wales; and long-term financial sustainability. As part of the review, quality research funding and knowledge transfer were also assessed.

The review comments on the contribution WISERD makes in this area and states: “…it is clear that WISERD has developed into a major resource for providing knowledge transfer across a wide range of the social sciences.”

The review goes further to recommend: “The Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, Data & Methods (WISERD) to receive core funding from the Welsh Government to impact on social policy, on a five year basis, against an expectation of the majority of its funding coming from projects.”

WISERD was established in 2008 to draw together and build upon the existing expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods and methodologies at the universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, South Wales and Swansea.  WISERD undertakes research and capacity building activities that facilitate the development of research infrastructure across the economic and social sciences in Wales and beyond.

WISERD Director, Professor Ian Rees Jones said: “This is a significant endorsement from the Diamond Review and I am delighted that WISERD has been recognised for the breadth, excellence and policy relevance of its research programmes.”

Click here to read the report in full.