Nigel Shadbolt and Wendy Hall to lead new Web Science Institute

The Web Science Institute (WSI) was launched on the 11th of November and will be based at the University of Southampton. It will be multidisciplinary, with academic staff from the humanities, social sciences, business and law acting as directors.

The WSI has a number of aims, including:

• focusing on interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships;

• demonstrating clear ambition, adaptability and innovation;

• leveraging the visionary leadership and outstanding staff and student expertise across the University;

• providing a platform for significant investment by government and external partners;

• showcasing unique and creative education programmes that set new standards internationally.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall said: “There is a ‘perfect storm’ brewing which combines open data, open education and open research, so this is a very exciting time to be launching the Web Science Institute.”

Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt said: “The open data movement is one example of how the web is evolving, empowering individuals and communities to achieve phenomenal ends. The Web Science Institute will help us to understand this evolution.”

The launch of the institute was covered by the BBC.