OLS Spotlight 🔦 Bethan Iley

Have a look and discover a bit more about our wonderful Bethan, who coordinates OLS’s participation in the OSPARK project while managing OLS finances

Meet Bethan Iley

Questions about OLS

What do you do at OLS? What does your day look like?

I have a split role! Three days a week, I’m the OSPARK Coordinator. I’m responsible for OLS’s implementation of the OSPARK Bootcamp, an OSCARS funded project we’re working on in collaboration with the Digital Research Academy. My work involves managing a series of research studies, helping to develop and deliver training, and doing a little bit of “on the ground” comms work. On my remaining OLS day, I’m a Finance Manager, which mostly involves making payments and maintaining relevant documentation.

What are your interests besides your OLS work?

My research interests are around what can be summarised as “the social psychology of science and technology”. I’m interested in how psychosocial processes such as interpersonal interactions and group relations can affect how people think, feel, and behave in relation to science and technology. I’m interested in things like how group membership influences conspiracy theory beliefs on science topics, how social networks influence research interests, and how people form relationships with AI systems.

Questions about you and your interest

What skill/expertise do you have in the open science world? How did you learn it?

I’m still very early in my career! A big passion of mine is ensuring that science is open, accessible, and findable to everyone. I’d like to keep developing my knowledge and skills in equality, diversity, and inclusion; science communication; and effective messaging.

What is a topic that you care a lot about? Why is it important to you?

I’m a social psychologist by training—my PhD was about why people believe conspiracy theories and misinformation about equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. I think that understanding the causes and consequences of conspiracy theories and misinformation is really important to help people navigate the world around them. People who believe these things are often struggling with their wellbeing and isolated from society. Some misinformation and conspiracy theories can be genuinely dangerous, such as those about health, but it’s hard to approach the topic with someone who already feels marginalised. I’d like to eventually live in a world where they are genuinely included but also open to being educated.

Silly/short ones

What is the last craft that you made?

I love making, sharing, and collecting zines! I love being able to tell stories and share information in a format that embodies analog yet open practices. My most recent zine was a mini-zine (where everything is fit onto a folded single sheet of paper) made out of an old paper bag and full of random collage. There was no meaning to it, it was just fun to make!

What is your favourite movie?

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). The animation and soundtrack are beautiful!

What is your favourite rainy day activity?

Most activities are rainy day activities here in Northern Ireland! I love playing rhythm games at arcades—they’re indoors, but get you out of the house. If the arcade has a Dance Dance Revolution style machine, I will be on it until I’m in pain.

Deeper ones

What is the meaning of life?

I believe the meaning of life is unique to each person. It’s whatever gives your life meaning or purpose. For me, that means trying to live in a way which helps the most and causes the least damage, but having fun in the process.

What do you want to learn next in life?

How to be physically active! Personal circumstances meant that I’ve barely exercised since 2020. I’d like to explore different ways to be active and to find out what I enjoy.