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Salil Gunashekar

Senior Analyst
Cambridge Office

Education

Ph.D. in wireless communications engineering, University of Leicester; M.Sc. in information and communications engineering, University of Leicester; M.Sc. in informatics, University of Delhi; B.Sc. (Honours) in physics, University of Delhi (St Stephen's College)

Overview

Salil Gunashekar is a senior analyst at RAND Europe working primarily in areas related to innovation, science and technology policy. Gunashekar has a particular interest in emerging technologies and evolving research systems. Since joining RAND Europe, he has been involved in research and policy analysis studies for a number of clients such as the European Commission (e.g. DG RTD, DG CNECT), the English Department of Health, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the British Standards Institution, the Digital Catapult, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and various UK universities. His projects have covered topics ranging from the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, and technology foresight, to open science, research impact (including bibliometrics), and addressing ‘grand challenges'.

With a technical background in wireless communications, Gunashekar previously worked as a research associate at the University of Leicester within the Departments of Engineering and Computer Science. He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Leicester in 2006 where he also obtained an M.Sc. in information and communications engineering in 2003. Before attending Leicester, he obtained an M.Sc. in informatics from the University of Delhi. In 2000, he graduated with an honours degree in physics from the University of Delhi.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

  • Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technologies: Challenges, opportunities, and the prospects for standards
  • Helping develop Internet of Things policy in the UK
  • Monitoring Open Science trends in Europe
  • Technology foresight and optimisation in the Horizon 2020 research and innovation funding programme
  • Bilbliometric analysis of highly cited publications of biomedical and health research in England (2004-2013)

Commentary

  • Three scientists working in a lab looking at petri dishes

    Can Open Science Help to Make Research More Accessible?

    The leading principle of open science is that anyone, whether they are part of the research community or the public, should be able to access scientific knowledge. Free circulation of knowledge, the sharing of research results, and transparency of methodology are core tenets of the scientific method.

    Oct 13, 2017 Observatory for a Connected Society app

  • Man pointing to a document

    Funders Using Bibliometrics Should Keep It Simple

    Avoiding information overload is crucial for research grant decisions. The right guidance and training to panel members can help them make the most of bibliometrics as an evaluation tool to assist their decisions on research funding.

    Sep 15, 2017 Research Fortnight

  • Research, Science and Innovation Commissioner-designate Carlos Moedas of Portugal waits for the start of his hearing before the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, at the EU Parliament in Brussels September 30, 2014

    Global Collaboration Needs a Firmer Evidence Base

    Policymakers should carry out a robust evaluation to assess the EU's research collaboration to date and analyze its impacts. This review should also compare the EU's portfolio with the collaborative research achievements of other players in international research. Such evidence would enhance the EU's research procurement strategy.

    Nov 10, 2014 Research Europe

Publications