2024-12-30-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06634408 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1133507 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR WEB SCIENCE TRUST {A COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) Rothmans LLP Chartered Accountant$ Chilworth Point I Chilworth Road Southampton S016 7JQ

WEB SCIENCE TRUST CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report ststement of Financlal Activities Balance Sheet Note5 to the Financial Statements 7 10 10 Detalled Statement of Flnancial Activities

WEB SCIENCE TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OECEMBER 2024 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the PUTposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial stalements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended practi￿ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Finanual Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The charrty was established lo advance education of the public in the subject of web Scien￿ and in particular.. a) to promote the development of the discipline of web science by leading the development of a research agenda and roadmap in the emerging web science commijnity worldwide., bl to promote and support the development of web Saen￿ curricula al all relevant educational levels around the world,. cl to provide organisational and financial support for activities such as conference$, workshops and symposig around the world on topics in web science,. dl to support the cre81ion of academic publication venues needed to enable scholarly communication in the 9lobal web science community., el lo engage govemment and private sector sources of science funding inlernalionally to collaborate in providing financial support for web science research in education in premier research and teaching institutions,. and fj lo promote the development of a global network of premier web Scien￿ research laboratories under the Web Scien Trust aegis, by establishing legal and financial collaborations with research insts'tutions induding leading universities who wsh lo co-operate on the development of web science. During the year, the administration of the charity was carried out on a voluntary basis by the trustees, wth assistan from staff from the University of Soulhampton," the charity had no employees during the year. From 1st March 2010 the University of Southampton agreed lo host the Web Science Trust. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities The Trustees mel in February to review progress to date and to chart the way forward for the coming years. The Web Science Trust continued to play a leading role in developing a worldwide research agenda. It continued to promote and develop Web Science in the followng ways. The annual ACM Web Sciell￿ Conference look place from 21-24 May in Stuttgart, Gemiany. This was the fourteenth in 3 series of Web scien￿ cOnferen￿S lo be urldenwritten by the Association of Computing Machinery IACMI. The conference focussed on Reflecting on the Web, Al, and Society. 11 included five keynote speakers, a PhD Symposium, four WoTkshops, one Tutorial, seven topical paper session5, a panel session. and a Poster Re￿ption. The Web Science Trust annual Test of Time Award was awarded for the third year at the conference lo the authors of a paper presented at a previous Web scien￿ Conference that has stood the test of time through continued relevance and impact. During the year, the Web Science Trust continued to disseminate Web Science ￿Search. In June, WSTNet Lab IIIT-Bangalore hosted a 1-day workshop "Web Science for Development IWS4DI" The theme of the WOTkshop was Digital Public Infrastructures IDPII, with the aim of bringing together professionals from Several domains. addressing different thematic concerns pertaining to the use of web and mobile technologies in developmental efforts. The workshop featured invited talk5 by visiting researchers from the Centre of Data for Public Good, IISC Bangalore and other invitees from other parts of India. It also included a DPI think￿ng poster presentation competition. Interactive sessions and panel discussions took place and one of the WST Trustees gave an address. The Web Science Trust continued lo support the Brave Conversations" events. The events draw together people from academia, government, business, the media and the third sector to address some of the profound issues that are arising as human life becomes progressively entwned wth the internet and the Web. In May an event took place in Stuttgart. Gem)any, in association wtth the ACM Web Science Conference. The Web Science Trust has developed ￿lationShipS wlh the Digital Enlightenment Forum {DEFI, the Oigilal Humanism Initiative {DigHuml, and the Peopl￿Centered Internet (PCI). In February the four entilies formed the "Humanity Internel Alliance IHIA)" This consortium will work to strengthen their relations in areas of common interest, regularly exchange views on their respective actimlieg, and p￿pare and implement common strategies and programmes for the priorities and areas of shared interest. In July, HIA, supported an event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Internet. which was sponsored by and held at The Royal Society in London, and co-sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery IACM) and the University of Southampton, UK. Six representatives from HIA took part in panel discussions, which were pre￿ded by a talk from the co-inventor of the Intemet. Dr Vinl Cerf. The panel discussions looked back al what the Internet has achieved in the last fifty years and focussed on the next generation of the Internet and Al. Page 1

WE8 SCIENCE TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The Web scien￿ Trust has also continued to develop relationships wth the lntemet Archive, the Library of Congress. the Research Data Alliance, the International communicab.on Association, the ACM, and the W3C, an intemationa community that develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web. The Web Science Trust has continL¢ed to produ￿ a range of significant sryentific papers and publications in Web Science. The Journal of Web Scien￿, an open access interdi5ciplinary journal with the aim of integrats.ng computer and inforrnation sCien￿s, communication, linguistics, sociology, psychology, economics, law, political science, and other disciplines, ran from 2006-2022 and published 32 papers. Foundations and Trends in Web Science (published by Now Publishers) published 17 papers. All papers accepted and presented at the annual intemational ACM Web Science Conference appe3r in the Proceedings of the ACM and a￿ held in the ACM'S Digital Library. The Web Soence Trust has continued lo provide thought leadership to the scientifi¢ community, the public, governments, public and private enterprise5. This has been achieved through public engagement, and through direct influence on key figures and organisations in government and industry. In 2010 the Web Science Trust established a Network of Laboratories IWSTNetl to bring together some of the world's leading academic researchers in Web Saence to address key research challenges and develop new academic programmes that will enhan￿ the growng influence ofweb Science. The current number ofWSTNet member5 is 18. The Web Science TTUSt has continued lo increase its Web and social media presence through ils website. The Web Science Trust produ￿$ online newsletters, which includes WSTNet Lab profiles and publications, papers and books Ihat relate to the wide scope of Web Science research. FINANCIAL REVIEW As indicated on the Statement of Financial Activities on Page 5, during the year the company received income of £45,854 (2023.. £34,774). Income of £45,854 {2023.' £34,538> was received by way of grants, donations, SPOFISOTships and events income during the year. Total expenditure in the year was £54,29412023." £49,235) for various expenses as detailed in the accounts. The company is seeking to develop sponsorship wth a range of commercial companies and other organisations. The directorsltrustees will seek to build up the reserves of the charity to provide il with sufficient resources to carry out its activities.. at this stage no decision has been made on the level of reserves which will be required for that purpose. The eurreTrt level of reserves is £174,87412023'. £182,314). STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company. limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Recruitment and appolntment of new trustees The size of the charity means that it does not have a formal arrangement for the appointment of new Trustees. If the existing Trustees consider that additional Trustees are required to improve or add skills, an infomial approach is made to suitable candidates. The induction and training of new Trustees 15 overseen by existing Trustees. No person external lo the Charity is enliiled to appoint Trustees lo the Charity. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Regl$tered Company number 06634408 (England and Wales} Regl$tered Charity number 1133507 Reglstered office Lesler Aldridge LLP Russell House Oxford Road Bournemouth Dorsel BH8 8EX Page 2

WEB SCIENCE TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Trustees Professor N S Contractor Professor W Hall Professor J A Hendler Professor G Metakides Mr J Rangaswami Professor N R Shadbolt Ms A E Rowland-campbell Mr W Thompson Professor S Slaab MsJZScott Company Secretary Skadden. Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Corporate Services Ltd) Independent Examiner Lisa Wilson FCA Rothmans LLP Chartered Accountants Chilworth Poinl 1 Chilworth Road Southampton S016 7JQ Solicitors Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP London PUBLIC BENEFIT In managing the company the directorsllru5tees have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission. This report has been prepared in accordance wlh the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approved by order of t eboa of trustees on and signed on ils behalf by.. Professor W Hall Jr￿alee Page 3

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WEB SCIENCE TRUST Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Web Sclence Trust (Ihe Cornpanrfl I report to the charity trustee$ on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024. Responsibilities and basi5 of report As the charity's ITUStees of the Company land also its directors for the putposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act'i. Having satisfi.ed myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 1.the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(51 {bl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come lo my allenlion in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe.. ?ccounling records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act., or the accounts do not accord with Ihose records,. or the accounts do nol comply wth Ihe accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come acrtsss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Lisa Wilson FCA Rothmans LLP Chartered Accountants Chilworth Point 1 Chilworth Road Southampton S016 7JQ Dale.. 25 sep.tember 2025 Page 4

WEB SCIENCE TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Unrestricted fund 2023 Total ftjnds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 45.528 34,538 Investment income 326 236 Total 45,854 34,774 EXPENDITURE ON Fundraising and marketing expenses 12.848 6,259 Charitable actlvltles Education 40.446 42.976 Total 53,294 49.235 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITURE) 17,4401 114,4631 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 182,314 196,775 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 174,874 182,314 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 5

WEB SCIENCE TRUST BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEM8ER 2024 2024 Unrestricted fund 2023 Total funds Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtor5 Cash at bank 14.627 172,386 11,747 184,240 187,013 195.987 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 {12,1391 113,6731 NET CURRENT ASSETS 174,874 182,314 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 174,874 182,314 NET ASSETS 174,874 182,314 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 174,874 182,314 TOTAL FUNDS 174,874 182,314 The tharitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its Iinancial statements for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024 in accordance MAlh Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees aCknO￿edge their responsibilities for lal ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Section5 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing finaneial statements which give a tnje and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each finanoal year in accordan￿ with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which othe￿iSe comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements. so far as applicable to the Charilable company. Ib) These financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ wth the provisions applicable to charilable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and aulhorised for issue and were signed on ils behalf by.. on Professor W Trustee The notes fom) part of these finanaal statements Page 6

WEB SCIENCE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 STATUTORY INFORMATION Web Science Trust is charitable company. limited by by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered Offi￿ address can be fo(Jnd on the Report of the Trustees. ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordan￿ wth the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reporting by Charib"es.' Statement of Recommended Practi￿ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191,, Financial Reporting Stsndard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The finanaal statements have been prepared under the historical cosl conventior*. These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, as there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. The trustees. have reached this conclusion based on the nature of the grant funding, contracts for ￿lch have been agreed for the foreseeable future. In accordance ¥Mlh Section 14 of the Charib'es SORP IFRS1021, the Charity has taken exemption from the Requirement to prepare a statement of cash flows. INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income by way of donations that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised in the Slalemenl of Financial Activits'es when receivable. The company has not been in receipt of any income arising from legacies in this year or the prior year. Investment Income is recognised when re￿iVed and comprises interest receivable on cash deposits. All incoming resources are recognised in the Statement of Finanaal Activities when the charity is entitled lo the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. RESOURCES EXPENDED Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits wll be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attribijted to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent wlh the use of resources. Support costs include finan￿, back office and governance costs and are considered lo be of an indirect nature bul necessary in order for the Gharity to perform ils day to day duties. As recorded in note 4. support costs are wholly considered allributable lo Education Activities. TAXATION The charity meets the definition of Part 1 of Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2010 and is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains within categories covered by Chapter 3 of the Corporation Taxes Act 2010 or Section 256 of Ihe Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. No lax charge arise in the current or previous reporting period. FUND ACCOUNTING un￿strICted funds can be used in accordance wth the charrtable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for p8rtieular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions ange when Specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. FOREIGN CURRENCIES Monetary assets and liabilities denomillaled in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ling al the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign Cu￿enCieS are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction. Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. Page 7 continued...

WE8 SCIENCE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued SHORT TERM DEBTORS AND CREDITORS Debtors and creditors receivable and payable within one year or upon demand are recorded at transaction price whether or not a rate of Interest is charged on the balance. LEGAL STATUS OF THE CHARITY The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. VOLUNTEERS As slated in the Tr4Jslee5 report. during the year the administration of the charity was carried out on a voluntary basis by Ihe Trustees, with assistance from staff from the Universlty of Southamplon. In accordan￿ wlh the SORP, no monetary value is placed upon the services provided. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and short-term deposits included in the Balan￿ Sheet comprise cash in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINr Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experien￿ and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the arcumstances. The charity makes esb'rnates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. No jijdgements lapart from those involving estimalesl have been made in the process of applying the above awounting policies. INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 326 236 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs {see note 61 Support costs {see note 71 Totals Education 23,340 17,106 40,446 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Insurance WSTNet support Costs Websile costs Project costs Workshops and conferences Subscriptions 1,079 982 369 2,448 5,488 12,717 1,040 2,570 7,182 11,333 1,176 23,340 23,044 Page 8 continued...

WEB SCIENCE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- Continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEM8ER 2024 SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Finance Totals Education 825 16,281 17.106 Included wthin governance costs is an amount of £1,789 which relates to work completed by the independent examiner in respect of accountancy services and an amount of £455 was payable in respect of the independent examination. Support costs, included in the above, are as follows.. FINANCE 2024 2023 Total activities Education Bank charges 825 740 GOVERNANCE COSTS 2024 2023 Total activities Education Professional assistance Insurance Trust board meeting expenses Bookkeeping Accountancy Other expenses 3,000 1,272 8.784 130 2.244 851 3,125 1,120 11,746 135 2,158 908 16.281 19,192 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 De￿rnber 2023. TRUSTEES. EXPENSES During the year the Trust did not reimburse any directors expenses12023.' NIL). DEBTORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments 10,000 4,627 10,375 1,372 14,627 11,747 Page 9 continued...

WEB SCIENCE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other creditors Accrued expenses Deferred income 1,770 2,244 8,125 2,382 2,158 9,133 12.139 13,673 11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 De￿rnber 2024.12023.. NIL) Page 10

WEB SCIENCE TRUST DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations 45,528 34.538 Investment income Deposit accounl interest 326 236 Total Incoming resources 45,854 34,774 EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Fundraising and marketing Website costs Foreign exchange rale 4,808 2.570 145 3,811 2,448 7,523 6,259 Other trading actlvltleg Bad debts 5,325 Charitsble activitles Insuran WSTNet support costs Website costs Project costs Workshops and conferences Subscriptions 1,079 982 369 2,448 5,488 12,717 1,040 2.570 7.182 11,333 1,176 23.340 23,044 Support costs Flnance Bank charyes 825 740 Governance ¢ost$ Professional as51slance Insuran Trust board meeting expenses Bookkeeping Accountancy Other expenses 3,000 1,272 8,784 130 2,244 851 3,125 1.120 11.746 135 2,158 908 16,281 19,192 Total resources expended 53,294 49,235 Net expendlture 17,4401 114,4611 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page11