Professor Derek McAuley speaks at the House of Commons

Horizon Director Professor Derek McAuley was invited to give oral evidence at the House of Commons in relation to the Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry on Social media data and real time analytics.

Big data has been announced as one of the Government’s eight great technologies with priorities for funding and research. In June 2013, the Government published their “information economy strategy” outlining the pivotal role big data will play in rebuilding and strengthening the economy. This was followed in October 2013 by “Seizing the data opportunity: a strategy for UK data capability”. The Science and Technology Committee has agreed to hold an inquiry into Social media data and real time analytics.

Traditional data storage systems were not designed for real-time analysis but new technologies can now provide live information and data analysis can accomplished in real-time. Social media data offers the possibility of studying social processes as they unfold at the level of populations as an alternative to traditional surveys or interviews. The data from social media is described as “qualitative data on a quantitative scale” and requires innovative analysis techniques.

The Science and Technology Committee has agreed to hold an inquiry into Social media data and real time analytics.

Watch the Select Committee Meeting held on monday 23rd June

Witnesses:

1. Professor Derek McAuley, Horizon Digital Economy Research Institute, Professor David De Roure, Director, Economic and Social Research Council, and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Web Science Trust
2. Professor Liesbet van Zoonen, Loughborough University, Professor David Robertson, UK Computing Research Committee, Dr Mathieu d’Aquin, The Open University, and Emma Carr, Big Brother Watch