In this introductory episode of the Data Observatory podcast series, Professor Chris Forde (Leeds University Business School) and Dr Emma Russell (University of Sussex) talk about the ESRC-funded Digital Futures at Work (Digit) Research Centre and its main research themes, what the Data Observatory is for, and how it can benefit other researchers, policymakers and wider society. 

Visit the Digit Data Observatory. 

Digit is jointly led by the Universities of Sussex and Leeds Business Schools with partners from Aberdeen, Cambridge, Manchester and Monash Universities. It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). 

This podcast episode was recorded remotely in May 2022. If you would like to get in touch regarding this podcast, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. A transcript of this episode is available.   

About the speakers: Chris Forde is Professor of Employment Studies and Co-Director of the Centre of Employment Relations Innovation and Change at the University of Leeds, and co-ordinator of the Q Step Programme at the University of Leeds, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and the ESRC. He is also Deputy Director of Digit and co-lead of the Digit Data Observatory. His principal research interest is in temporary agency working, but he also conducts research into migration. 

Dr Emma Russell is a Chartered and Registered Occupational Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sussex, in addition to being the co-lead of the Data Observatory. Her research focuses on how people manage their e-communications (specifically email) and how this impacts and is impacted by well-being, goal achievement and personality.