CDCS Brand Transition: Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • What’s happening to CDCS?

The Centre for Data Culture and Society (CDCS) was founded in 2019 to build capacity for data-led and computational research within the College of Arts and Humanities. Over the last seven years, the Centre has helped hundreds of researchers to explore, adopt and develop applied computational research methods across a wide range of disciplines. To build on this success and to ensure the sustainability of our activities and work going forward, CDCS is now being fully integrated into Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI).  The Centre was created within the context of the Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) programme, and as a precursor to the launch of the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI). In 2023, CDCS moved into the newly-opened EFI building, and over the last year, EFI has been developing a new vision and strategy, which incorporates CDCS goals, activity and remit. We are therefore now decommissioning the CDCS brand, and beginning to work under the branding of EFI.

 

  • Why is this change happening?

The capacity building work of CDCS has always been envisaged as part of the DDI programme, and as something that would be incorporated into EFI eventually. The structural and strategic changes required to incorporate the activity effectively are now in place, and EFI is now able to support and develop this activity. This change will also support the CDCS team, reducing administrative workload and streamlining processes.

 

  • Is this related to the University’s financial context?

No, this change is a strategic decision about brand identity only and is not related to the University’s current financial context. There will be some saving of resource in terms of less time spent managing a brand identity, but the whole CDCS team will all be continuing their work within EFI, our support offer will not be changing, and no job losses are taking place.

 

  • I follow CDCS activities: what changes will I see?

Our training and events will now be shared via the EFI website, Sharepoint (internal only) and social media rather than a CDCS website and social media. Our digest and Github site will continue but it will also look a bit different, as we transition to EFI branding.  

 

  • When are these changes happening?

You’ll see communication about these changes in CDCS channels in the summer and then from August see more information on activities and offerings previously carried out by CDCS communicated via EFI social media, website and newsletter.

 

  • EFI is for the whole University. Does this mean that the support provided is no longer tailored for CAHSS researchers?

No, we are committed to continuing to provide support that is designed to be accessible to and targeted toward arts, humanities and social sciences researchers. EFI aims to support collaboration between STEM and SHAPE disciplines, and recognises that researchers in CAHSS - whose disciplines may not traditionally teach data skills and computational methods – can require specific support to engage with data-driven methods and technological innovation. CAHSS is also EFI’s home, and most immediate community.

 

  • Is the CDCS training programme going to change?

No, not fundamentally. The look of our materials may change, and we may rename the programme, but the content will remain developed by researchers for researchers and pitched at those from non-technical backgrounds.

 

  • I’m working on a project that is supported by CDCS: will that support be withdrawn or changed?

No, our project support will continue through the EFI Research Technology Service, and through EFI’s Innovation support activities. You can still ask us for help with planning a technical project, for support to create prototypes, technical guidance. Our project seed-funding will be delivered via EFI Research.

 

  • I’ve been pointing colleagues and students to CDCS for training and support in data-led research: where can I point them now?

You can point them to EFI, and specifically to the EFI Data-Led Methods and Research Technology Sharepoint site where our training programme, services and contact details are described. 

 

  • Will CDCS still offer training bursaries?

Yes we plan to.  The4 bursary scheme is currently closed, and will be relaunched next academic year.  When it reopens, you will be able to find more details on  the EFI Data-Led Methods and Research Technology Sharepoint site. 

 

  • I am / was an affiliate of CDCS: what does this mean for me?

We will not be hosting affiliates going forward, and have been in touch with all our current affiliates to let them know about this change. If you would like to explore EFI affiliation you can find out more on the EFI Research Community page.