The UK Reproducibility Network defines reproducibility as follows: “Research should be sufficiently transparent that someone with the relevant expertise can clearly follow as relevant for different types of research how it was done, why it was done in that way, the evidence that it established, the reasoning and/or judgements that were used, and how all of that led justifiably to the research findings and conclusions.” By its nature then, reproducibility is about transparency, openness and rigour. It is fundamentally a collaborative endeavour and therefore naturally links in with research culture. 

Openness, collaboration and sharing are key components to reproducibility. In order for the reproducibility agenda to gain ground we must have a research culture that embraces and rewards these values. As researchers we should be supported by our surrounding research culture to do work that is rigorous and impactful. Reproducibility should be part of that conversation.  

The reproducibility community is closely linked to the open science community. Working with both of these groups helps researchers do work that is easier for others to engage with. It allows us to share not just our findings but our methods with colleagues. It facilitates feedback from the community to researchers. Working towards a research culture where it is the norm to share our work in detail, to accept feedback on that work and to build off the work of others will help build a positive research culture. 

The Coding for Reproducibility workshops have been running for three years now and have provided training to over 900 individuals in how to conduct rigorous and reproducible work.

The reproducibility leadership team comprise Prof Eilis Hannon, Prof Gavin Buckingham and Prof Mark Kelson. They convene a cross-disciplinary network of reproducibility champions. Please do get in touch if you want to find out more.