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 of practical value 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, the domains we are recruiting from, and how to apply. For the full details, please download our Governance Framework document.
The Panel is an advisory group whose recommendations carry weight in shaping the Hub.
Members contribute by:
Helping shape the Hub’s research priorities and ways of working during the pilot.
Providing domain expertise and independent advice to strengthen the quality and impact of the Hub’s research.
Facilitating knowledge exchange across the Panel’s four domains: member platforms; academia; regulation, government and law enforcement; and consumer interest and advocacy.
Identifying and supporting research opportunities.
Supporting funding bids and making introductions to potential funders and collaborators.
We are looking for people with expertise in their field, a willingness to contribute time and networks, and enthusiasm for the Hub’s mission.
We are recruiting two to three members from the following four domains:
Start: 1 November 2026.
Commitment: 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.
Appointments: Successful applicants will be announced at the ODDA Annual Conference on 8 October 2026.
Write a short letter addressed to the ODDA Board outlining your experience and expertise, and explaining how you would contribute to the Research Advisory Panel and the wider Hub.
Email the letter to [email protected] by 1 September 2026.
What happens next: the ODDA CEO, Simon Newman, and the Hub Lead, Lauren Sharp, will review all applications and shortlist candidates for a brief interview. Recommendations will then be submitted to the Board, which will make the final appointments. Successful applicants will be required to sign a written agreement before joining the Panel.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief interview in September 2026. Successful applicants will be announced at the ODDA Annual Conference on 8 October 2026, with the Panel commencing on 1 November 2026.
Please note the following before you apply:
We’re happy to hear from you before you apply. Please feel free to get in touch: [email protected].