Join the ODDA Research Hub Advisory Panel | Online Dating and Discovery Association

The ODDA Research Hub brings together expertise from academia, industry, regulation, and policy to advance understanding of online dating and social discovery. We are a bridge between researchers and practitioners — producing work that’s rigorous, informed by real-world practice, and impactful to the sector.

As we prepare to enter our pilot phase, we are forming an Advisory Panel. Below is a brief summary about the role of the Advisory Panel, what domains we are seeking to partner with, and how to apply. For the full details, please download our Governance Framework document.

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Function of the Panel

The Panel is an advisory group. The Panel’s recommendations carry weight in shaping the Hub. Members contribute by:

helping shape the Hub’s research priorities and ways of working during the pilot
lending domain expertise and credibility to strengthen the quality and reach of the research
sharing knowledge across the Panel’s four areas
spotting research opportunities and bringing projects forward
supporting funding bids and making introductions to funders and collaborators

We’re looking for people with expertise in their field, a willingness to contribute time and networks, and enthusiasm for the Hub’s mission.

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Domains

We’re recruiting two to three members from each of four areas, so that no single area dominates:

Academia
ODDA member platforms
Regulation, government and law enforcement
Consumer interest and advocacy

Terms

Time: an online meeting every two weeks (around 30 minutes) and an in-person session each quarter (2–3 hours).
Term: the duration of the pilot phase, roughly 12–14 months.
Voluntary: the role is unpaid during the pilot. Reasonable travel expenses for the quarterly in-person meetings are reimbursed.

How to Apply

Write a short letter addressed to the ODDA Board, setting out your experience and expertise, and how you’d contribute to the Panel and the Hub.
Send it to [email protected] by 1 September 2026.
What happens next: the ODDA’s CEO, Simon Newman, and the Hub Lead, Lauren Sharp, will review all applications and shortlist candidates for a brief interview. Recommendations then go to the Board, which makes the final appointments. Successful applicants sign a short written agreement before joining.

Before Making an Application

Please take note of the following before making application:

The role is voluntary and unpaid for the pilot phase, with travel expenses covered for in-person meetings.
You’ll need to declare any relevant interests when you join and keep them current. Declarations are held in a Register of Interests. This is normal good practice and protects you as much as the Hub.
All members will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. The Hub requires that draft research and sensitive information stay confidential during and after your membership.
Membership is flexible. It’s voluntary, so you can step down at any time — we’d just ask for reasonable notice (four weeks is a guide) so anything you’re involved in can be handed over smoothly.
Changing jobs won’t automatically end your membership. The role is about your domain and expertise, not your job title.
Panel membership and project work are separate. Joining the Panel isn’t the same as joining a research project — projects have their own agreements — and you can stay involved in a project even after your Panel term ends.

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Questions?

We’re happy to hear from you before you apply. Please feel free to get in touch: [email protected].