New Global Network of Web Science Laboratories announced at WebSci10

The Web Science Trust Network of Laboratories (WSTNet) combines some of the world’s leading academic researchers in Web Science, with new academic programmes that will enhance the already growing influence of Web Science.

WSTNet will be managed by the Web Science Trust, which brings together academics, business leaders, entrepreneurs and policy-makers from around the world with the goal of fostering multidisciplinary research to study the World Wide Web and describe the issues and challenges that will shape its future use and design.

Through a number of specific agreements and commitments with the Web Science Trust, the member Labs will provide valuable support for the ongoing development of Web Science.

‘This is yet another important milestone in the progress of Web Science,’ said Sir John Taylor, Chair of the WST Trustee Board. ‘We are linking together a group of highly respected research laboratories which are all already making internationally-leading contributions through their research. We look forward to what we can achieve together in the future, through a series of joint research programmes, events, and collaborations.’

Contributions from the Labs will include the organisation and hosting of summer schools, workshops and meetings, including the WebSci conference series. The WSTNet Labs will also identify opportunities for new events and fundraising, all as part of the ongoing development of Web Science.

The announcement of WSTNet was made at the WebSci10 conference taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, from 26 to 27 April, and co-located with the World Wide Web conference. Representatives of all the Labs are attending the conference along with researchers from the many different disciplines which are involved in Web Science.

‘WSTNet will extend our global research capabilities in Web Science as well as ensuring that the subject is built into university syllabuses,’ said Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Managing Director of WST and one of the founders of the discipline of Web Science. ‘We will continue to extend the network to other research institutes which are already committed to Web Science.

‘We are delighted to welcome on board all the Labs and look forward to further exciting developments in the future.’