NIHR Innovation Observatory and NIHR Methodology Incubator deliver global forum for Information Professionals

On Thursday 30th January 2025, NIHR Innovation Observatory and NIHR Methodology Incubator joined forces to bring the first ever CORE Information Retrieval Forum to The Catalyst in Newcastle. ‘CORE’, standing for Community, Opportunities, Research and Experience, is exactly what was delivered through a mix of keynotes, panels, presentations and plenty of networking! 

This unique day was a celebration of innovation in the field, designed for people who specialise in information retrieval, systematic searching and knowledge or data mining for evidence synthesis or horizon scanning, and information professionals were welcomed from all disciplines. Over 120 people were in attendance from across the globe including Brazil, Baltimore, Canada and Slovakia. 

This event aimed to build on existing networks to provide a space for information professionals focused on information retrieval to share ideas. There has long been a desire for information professionals to have a forum where they can exchange knowledge and feel part of a valued community and the CORE event will be the first of many new initiatives that will build on this in the months and years to come. 

Expert Keynote Speakers 

The day began with an insightful keynote from Judy Wright, Senior Information Specialist at University of Leeds who discussed ‘How to thrive (or survive) as an Information Specialist.’ Her talk was engaging, offering tips and guidance from her own experiences to the audience. 

Closing the day, keynote, Su Golder, Associate Professor at University of York posed the question ‘Can AI replace information specialists?’ The resounding answer was NO, which was music to the audience’s ears…but it can help and support with some of the time consuming tasks of an Information Specialist! 

Abstract Presentations 

Throughout the day information professionals from across the world delivered presentations and lightning talks about their unique methods, research and experience. The process for selection all started back in September 2024 when applicants were asked to submit their ideas for the conference and a rigorous judging process was undertaken to determine who would form the final line-up.  

Setting the scene and explaining ‘Where it all began’ was Oleta Williams, Research Assistant & Information Specialist at NIHR Innovation Observatory. She explained the vision behind the Methodology Incubator and why it was created to increase research capacity in methodology applied to health and care research. The audience learnt how the work funded by the Methodology Incubator explored barriers and facilitators to career development for information professionals.  

Kate Misso, Principal Consultant Information Specialist at Maverex also gave a fascinating insight into her career path and the challenges faced when making the transition from academia to the private sector. 

For a full agenda of all presentations and lightning talks that took place please visit here. 

Career Panel 

A key highlight of the morning session was the career panel session where the audience were given the opportunity to ask their own questions about the different routes people have taken, what lessons they’ve learned along the way, the challenges they have faced and their biggest career achievement to date. Chaired by Fiona Beyer, Principal Information Research Associate at NIHR Innovation Observatory, the panel included Jennifer Hill, Information Scientist at UK Health Security Agency, Elizabeth Stovold, Knowledge Manager at UCL Partners, Michelle Maden, Lecturer in Evidence Synthesis at University of Liverpool and Linda Errington, Senior Information Specialist at Juno Evidence Alliance. 

Knowledge Café 

An informal, interactive workshop ran during the afternoon where attendees were given the opportunity to discuss key areas of their roles in groups. Key topics such as search sources, artificial Intelligence, networking, professional development and experience were dissected and debated. The overriding theme of MOMEMTUM and how this fantastic community of people can be nurtured was at the forefront of people’s minds. 

Reflecting on the Forum, Fiona Beyer, Principal Information Research Associate at NIHR Innovation Observatory said  

“It was an inspirational day for everyone. We’ve met such a broad range of people from across the discipline as well as different sectors who use advanced information retrieval skills as part of their role! All have offered their unique perspectives on how we can build this network, support each other and share good practice. We’ll be analysing the feedback on all of the questions we posed and I can’t wait to see where this all leads.”  

The Methodology Incubator is welcoming new members! If you are interested in finding out more and joining please visit here.