The Metascience conference, hosted by the Research on Research Institute (RoRI) in partnership with the Center for Open Science and held at University College London (UCL) from June 30 to July 2, brought together over 800 international participants, including policymakers, funders, publishers, researchers, and advocates to explore new evidence, methods, and innovations aimed at improving research practice.
When setting out the aims for the Metascience conference, the hope was to bring together the diverse communities that shape the research ecosystem—those who study research processes, advocate for reform, and implement policy and infrastructure changes. All share a common interest in understanding whether reforms are achieving their intended impact or generating unintended consequences. By convening these perspectives, the conference sought to foster a culture of continuous experimentation and improvement across the research system.
Set across London’s Knowledge Quarter during a sunny, vibrant, and busy week, the events highlights included the first-ever ministerial speech on metascience from Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science & Innovation, and a series of significant commitments to open data from Wellcome in a speech by John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of the Wellcome Trust. Both underscored the importance of transparent and inclusive research systems in tackling global challenges. There were inspiring keynotes from Cassidy Sugimoto and Maria Leptin, among many others.
The programme included discussions on research assessment reform, responsible research practices, and the future of science policy, affirming RoRI’s mission to foster evidence-informed improvements in research systems worldwide. RoRI’s Executive Director James Wilsdon who led on the Metascience conference said of the event.
We’re delighted that Metascience 2025 was such a rich, vibrant and diverse meeting with over 800 participants from 65 countries, filling 49 sessions over 3 days. It’s been a privilege for UCL and RoRI to host this event, the largest ever on metascience — and we look forward to attending the next one in Montreal in 2027!
