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Open Science News

MCAA Around the World Webinar Series – Storytelling in Science
 MCAA Around the World Webinar Series – Storytelling in Science 630 238 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Join for an exciting Microsoft Teams meeting on March 10, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (UTC+01:00) as power of storytelling in science communication is explored. Speakers, Chiara Segré and Martins Zaumanis, will share their expertise and tips on how to effectively communicate science to non-experts without oversimplifying or distorting the scientific content. This event promises to be enlightening and engaging, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now and join for this informative and inspiring discussion!

About speakers:

Chaira Segré is a biologist and research doctor in molecular oncology who holds a master’s degree in science journalism and communication. With eight years of experience in cancer research, she has been actively involved in scientific dissemination since 2010. She is currently the Head of Scientific Supervision at the Umberto Veronesi Foundation and is also a children’s and teenagers’ book author. In 2021, she co-authored the book “The secrets of the centenarians” (Sperling & Kupfer) for the Veronesi Foundation with Agnese Collino. According to her, scientific culture is essential for social and cultural development and is a prerequisite for every modern democratic society.

Martins Zaumanis is a researcher at Empa in Switzerland who is passionate about helping scientists effectively communicate their research. He has authored the “Peer Recognized” book series, providing practical advice on writing impactful research papers, delivering compelling academic presentations, securing research funding, and creating scientific visualizations. Through his blog, Martins shares useful tools to enhance scientists’ communication skills. In his upcoming presentation, Martins will share valuable tips on how to clearly communicate research findings. His research focus is on bringing sustainability to road pavements through recycling, warm mix asphalt, and the use of waste materials in asphalt production. He collaborates closely with road construction companies and road administrations to promote the adoption of these sustainable technologies.

Register here!

Champions of Open Science
 Champions of Open Science 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In the world of academia, scientific research has traditionally been a closely guarded domain, only accessible to those with the means and resources to access it. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards open science and free access to knowledge. This movement has been driven by a number of dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make scientific research more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial or institutional resources. In this article, we will explore the contributions of some of the people who have played a significant role in making open science and free access to knowledge a reality.

  1. Brian Nosek: Brian Nosek is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and co-founder of the Center for Open Science. Nosek is a vocal advocate for open science and has conducted extensive research on scientific practices and biases. His work has helped to promote transparency and reproducibility in the field of psychology, and he has also developed several tools and resources to facilitate open science practices, such as the Open Science Framework.
  2. Jean-Claude Bradley: Jean-Claude Bradley was a chemist and professor at Drexel University who was a pioneer in the open science movement. Bradley was a strong advocate for open access to scientific research and data, and he was a proponent of using online tools to facilitate collaboration and sharing among researchers. He also developed several open science projects, including the Open Notebook Science Network and the UsefulChem project, which focused on open collaboration in the field of chemistry.
  3. John Wilbanks: John Wilbanks is a data commons expert who has worked with several organizations to promote open science practices. He has been a strong advocate for open access to scientific research and data, and he has helped to develop several tools and initiatives to facilitate this, such as the Consent to Research Project and the Sage Bionetworks Commons.
  4. Erin McKiernan: Erin McKiernan is a professor of physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a vocal advocate for open science practices. McKiernan has been involved in several initiatives to promote open access to scientific research and data, including the Open Access Button and the Cost of Knowledge project. She has also been a vocal proponent of open data and open educational resources.
  5. Michael Eisen: Michael Eisen is a biologist and co-founder of the Public Library of Science (PLOS), which is a nonprofit organization that promotes open access to scientific research. Eisen has been a strong advocate for open access publishing and has worked to develop several open science initiatives, including the Open Science Framework and the ASAPbio project.

These champions of open science have made significant contributions to the scientific community by promoting transparency, collaboration, and open access to scientific research and data. Their work has helped to advance the open science movement and has encouraged other researchers to adopt open science practices. As more scientists and organizations embrace open science, the scientific community will become more collaborative, transparent, and accessible to all.

Ways to Reach Open Science
 Ways to Reach Open Science 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Open science is a movement that seeks to make scientific research and data accessible to all, thereby promoting collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility. It aims to promote scientific progress by making research findings freely available to the public and allowing others to build on and extend research. The concept of open science has gained popularity in recent years, as researchers recognize the need to make their work more transparent, accessible, and impactful. In this article, we will discuss some ways to reach open science.

  1. Publish open access:

Open access publishing makes research articles available to everyone without charge. By publishing your research in an open access journal, you can increase the visibility and impact of your work, as well as promote scientific progress by making your research accessible to others. Open access journals usually provide a peer-review process that ensures the quality of the research, and the articles are often available under a Creative Commons license, which allows others to use and build on the research.

  1. Use open data:

Many researchers are now making their data publicly available to others to use, analyze, and build on. By using open data in your own research, you can save time and resources and make your research more transparent and reproducible. Open data can be found in many repositories such as Zenodo, Dryad, or Figshare, and can be used for various purposes, from validating results to discovering new scientific questions.

  1. Collaborate with others:

Collaboration is a key component of open science. By collaborating with others, you can share resources and expertise, and work together to solve complex problems. Collaboration can take many forms, such as co-authoring papers, participating in multi-disciplinary teams, or contributing to open-source projects.

  1. Participate in open science initiatives:

There are many open science initiatives that you can participate in, such as open science conferences, workshops, and hackathons. These events provide opportunities to learn about open science, network with other researchers, and contribute to open science projects. For example, the Open Science MOOC is an online course that provides an introduction to open science principles, while the OpenCon conference is an annual event that brings together researchers, educators, and students to promote open access, open data, and open education.

  1. Use open source software:

Open source software is software that is made freely available to everyone to use, modify, and distribute. By using open source software in your research, you can save time and resources, and contribute to the development of new tools and technologies. Open source software can be found in many areas, from data analysis to machine learning, and can be customized to suit the needs of the researcher.

  1. Educate others about open science:

Educating others about open science is a great way to promote the movement and raise awareness about the benefits of open science. You can give talks, organize workshops, or write articles or blog posts about open science to help spread the word. By educating others about open science, you can help promote a culture of openness and transparency in research.

  1. Advocate for open science policies:

You can advocate for open science policies at your institution, funding agency, or government level. By advocating for policies that promote open access, open data, and open source software, you can help create a more open and transparent scientific community. Some examples of policies that promote open science include the Plan S initiative, which requires that all research funded by participating organizations be made open access, and the FAIR principles, which provide guidelines for making research data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Open science is a movement that promotes collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility in scientific research. By publishing open access, using open data, collaborating with others, participating in open science initiatives, using open source software, educating others, and advocating for open science policies, you can help promote open science and contribute to scientific progress.

Entrepreneurship Promotes Open Science
 Entrepreneurship Promotes Open Science 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In recent years, entrepreneurship and open science have emerged as powerful forces driving innovation and economic growth. While these two fields may seem unrelated at first glance, they are actually deeply intertwined. Entrepreneurship promotes open science by providing a platform for researchers and scientists to collaborate, share their ideas and discoveries, and turn their innovations into successful businesses.

Entrepreneurship and open science share many common goals, including innovation, collaboration, and the creation of new knowledge. Entrepreneurs are often driven by a desire to solve real-world problems and create new products or services that have a positive impact on society. Similarly, open science aims to advance scientific knowledge and create public goods that benefit society as a whole.

One way in which entrepreneurship promotes open science is by providing a platform for researchers and scientists to turn their ideas and discoveries into successful businesses. Startups often emerge from academic research or scientific discoveries, and they can provide a pathway for these innovations to reach the market and have a real-world impact.

Furthermore, startups often rely on open science principles to develop their products or services. For example, many software startups build their products using open-source software, which allows for collaboration and innovation among developers. This approach can lead to faster development times, better quality products, and more efficient use of resources.

Startups can also play a role in promoting open science by partnering with academic researchers and scientific institutions to share data and collaborate on research projects. This can lead to more innovative and impactful research, as well as new commercial opportunities for startups.

Entrepreneurship and open science are two fields that are deeply interconnected. By promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation, both fields have the potential to drive economic growth and create positive social impact. Startups, in particular, can play a powerful role in promoting open science by providing a platform for researchers and scientists to turn their ideas into successful businesses, and by collaborating with academic researchers to advance scientific knowledge and create new commercial opportunities. As the worlds of entrepreneurship and open science continue to evolve and intersect, we can expect to see new and exciting innovations that benefit society as a whole.

Universality of Science
 Universality of Science 1024 682 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Science is often considered to be one of the most universal subjects, with its principles and methodologies being applicable across all fields of study. The universality of science stems from the fact that it is based on a set of logical and empirical principles that can be applied to any area of inquiry. This article explores the universality of science and its importance in our understanding of the world around us.

Science is a systematic approach to understanding the natural world. It is based on the idea that natural phenomena can be studied using a set of logical and empirical principles. These principles include observation, experimentation, hypothesis testing, and the formulation of theories. Science is therefore universal because it is not limited to any particular subject or discipline, but can be applied to all fields of study.

One of the key features of science is its objectivity. Science is based on facts and evidence that can be observed and measured. This means that scientific findings are not influenced by personal beliefs or biases. The scientific method is designed to ensure that results are reliable and can be replicated by other researchers. This objectivity is a fundamental aspect of the universality of science, as it means that scientific findings are applicable to all areas of inquiry, regardless of personal beliefs or opinions.

The universality of science is also evident in the fact that scientific principles are used in a wide range of fields. For example, in medicine, scientific principles are used to diagnose and treat diseases. In engineering, scientific principles are used to design and build structures, machines, and systems. In agriculture, scientific principles are used to improve crop yields and develop new farming techniques. The list of fields that rely on scientific principles is endless, highlighting the universality of science in our everyday lives.

Another important aspect of the universality of science is its ability to explain natural phenomena. Through the use of scientific principles, we can explain the behavior of the natural world, from the movements of planets to the behavior of subatomic particles. It allows us to make predictions about future events and to develop technologies that improve our quality of life.

To sum up, the universality of science is a fundamental aspect of our understanding of the world. Its logical and empirical principles can be applied to any area of inquiry, making it a universal subject that is applicable to all fields of study. The objectivity of science ensures that its findings are reliable and can be replicated by other researchers. The ability of science to explain natural phenomena is also crucial in our understanding of the world around us. As such, the universality of science is essential in our pursuit of knowledge and our development of new technologies.

Improving Research Assessment
 Improving Research Assessment 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The importance of research in advancing knowledge and understanding in various fields cannot be overemphasized. However, the process of assessing research quality and disseminating research findings to the wider public remains a challenge. In recent years, there has been a growing call for improving research assessment and providing more accessible access to free knowledge. This article discusses some strategies that can be adopted to achieve these objectives.

One of the most significant challenges in research assessment is the overreliance on quantitative metrics such as journal impact factor, citation counts, and h-index. While these metrics can be useful indicators of research quality, they are often used as the sole criterion for evaluating researchers and their work. This approach is flawed because it fails to take into account other important factors such as the impact of research on society, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the engagement of researchers with the wider public. To improve research assessment, a more holistic approach that considers multiple metrics and qualitative indicators should be adopted.

One possible solution is the adoption of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which was developed in 2012 by a group of editors and publishers of scholarly journals and scientific societies. DORA emphasizes the need to evaluate research on its own merits rather than relying on journal-based metrics. It also encourages the use of a range of indicators, such as the societal impact of research, the quality of publications, and the development of new methods and tools.

Another critical aspect of improving research assessment is to ensure that research findings are more widely available to the public. Currently, many research articles are published in journals that are behind paywalls, making them inaccessible to the general public. This limits the dissemination of research findings and restricts the potential impact of research on society.

To address this issue, open access publishing can be adopted. Open access publishing allows anyone to access research articles without the need for a subscription or payment. This approach can be achieved through two main models: the green model and the gold model. The green model involves authors depositing their pre-print or post-print versions of the article in a public repository or institutional repository, while the gold model involves authors publishing their work in open access journals.

Another way to increase the accessibility of research findings is through the use of preprint servers such as arXiv and bioRxiv. Preprint servers allow researchers to share their research findings before they are peer-reviewed and published in a journal. This approach allows for rapid dissemination of research findings and facilitates collaboration among researchers. However, it is important to note that preprints should not be seen as a substitute for peer-reviewed publications.

Lastly, improving research assessment and providing more accessible access to free knowledge is essential for advancing knowledge and understanding in various fields. A more holistic approach to research assessment that considers multiple metrics and qualitative indicators should be adopted. Additionally, open access publishing and the use of preprint servers can increase the accessibility of research findings to the wider public. These strategies will help to ensure that research findings have a greater impact on society and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Impact of Open Data and Free Knowledge
 Impact of Open Data and Free Knowledge 150 150 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The advent of the digital age has brought about many changes in the way we live our lives, from the way we communicate to the way we access information. One of the most significant changes has been the emergence of open knowledge and open data. These concepts refer to the idea that information and knowledge should be freely available to all, without restrictions or limitations. The impact of open knowledge and open data has been felt in many areas of society, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the lives of those who were previously lacking access to it.

One of the most notable changes that open knowledge and open data have brought about is increased transparency in government and public institutions. In the past, it was often difficult for citizens to access information about government activities, budgets, and decision-making processes. However, with the advent of open data initiatives, governments and public institutions are now required to make this information freely available to the public. This has led to increased transparency, accountability, and trust in government, which has had a positive impact on the lives of citizens.

Another area where open knowledge and open data have made a notable difference is in healthcare. Access to medical information and research has traditionally been restricted to those with the means to pay for it, leaving many without access to the latest treatments and medical breakthroughs. However, with the advent of open access journals and medical research databases, this information is now freely available to all. This has led to improved patient outcomes, as doctors and patients can access the latest research and treatments, regardless of their financial circumstances.

In the field of education, open knowledge and open data have also made a significant impact. In the past, access to educational resources was often restricted to those who could afford to pay for it. However, with the advent of open educational resources (OERs), educational materials are now freely available to all. This has had a significant impact on developing countries, where access to education has traditionally been limited. OERs have allowed individuals to access educational materials that they would not otherwise have been able to afford, leading to improved educational outcomes and increased opportunities.

Finally, open knowledge and open data have also had a significant impact on innovation and entrepreneurship. In the past, access to information and knowledge was often restricted to those who had the means to pay for it, limiting the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. However, with the advent of open knowledge and open data initiatives, this information is now freely available to all. This has led to increased innovation, as entrepreneurs and innovators can access the latest research and data, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Hence, the emergence of open knowledge and open data has had a significant impact on the lives of those who were previously lacking access to it. From increased transparency in government and public institutions to improved healthcare outcomes and increased educational opportunities, the impact of open knowledge and open data has been far-reaching and transformative. As we continue to move forward into the digital age, it is clear that these concepts will play an increasingly important role in shaping our society and improving the lives of individuals around the world.

Concepts of Open Science
 Concepts of Open Science 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The concept of Open Science has become increasingly relevant in recent years, especially as concerns about the accessibility, transparency, and reusability of scientific research have grown. However, despite numerous attempts to define Open Science, there is still no widely accepted definition of this term. Some scholars argue that science has always been open in some sense, but the commercialization of scholarly publishing and the emergence of intellectual property rights have raised new questions about accessibility and reusability. Beginning in the 2000s, these concerns were consolidated under the banner of Open Science, particularly through the efforts of policymakers in the European Union.

While there is no consensus on what Open Science means, the term is generally understood as a transformative project aimed at making science more transparent, accountable, inclusive, and accessible. The vision of Open Science is that it should be more efficient, democratic, and collaborative than traditional scientific practices. However, it is important to recognize that different communities have different goals and understandings of what Open Science should be, and that the term may not be inclusive enough to encompass all research fields. Some scholars have suggested using the term Open Scholarship to broaden the scope of Openness to other disciplines.

Open Science and Open Scholarship represent a range of initiatives within the scientific system, rather than a single unified movement. These initiatives can be seen as responses to various crises in the science system, including an access crisis, a certification crisis, a quality of research crisis, and a trust crisis. For example, concerns about the quality and replicability of research have led to initiatives to provide open access to data, enabling more systematic and holistic quality assurance. Similarly, the rising costs of scholarly publishing have spurred initiatives for free access to publications and distribution, with the aim of making scientific knowledge more accessible.

Overall, Open Science and Open Scholarship aim to facilitate wider participation in the scientific enterprise by allowing stakeholders and different audiences to access, contribute to, and benefit from scientific research. The normative project of Open Science can be broken down into calls for transparency, verifiability, inclusion, and access to scholarly knowledge. These initiatives are also facilitated by socio-technological innovations, including digital infrastructures for publishing and communication that enable greater collaboration and participation.

Free and Accessible Knowledge Benefits Us All
 Free and Accessible Knowledge Benefits Us All 150 150 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In the information age, knowledge is power. It’s the key to unlocking opportunities, making informed decisions, and understanding the world around us. However, access to knowledge has traditionally been limited by factors like geography, income, and education. Fortunately, the rise of the internet and the concept of free knowledge has changed this.

Free knowledge refers to the idea that information should be available to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. This includes everything from educational resources to scientific research to news and current events. The internet has made it easier than ever before to share and access free knowledge, and this has significant benefits for individuals and society as a whole.

One of the most significant benefits of free knowledge is that it can help to level the playing field. In the past, access to information was often limited to those who had the resources to seek it out. This meant that people from disadvantaged backgrounds or developing countries were at a disadvantage when it came to education and career opportunities. However, with free knowledge available online, anyone with an internet connection can access the same information as someone in a developed country. This can help to bridge the gap and create more opportunities for people around the world.

Another benefit of free knowledge is that it can help to promote innovation and progress. When information is freely available, people are able to build on the work of others, creating new ideas and discoveries. This is particularly important in fields like science and technology, where collaboration and sharing of knowledge are essential for progress. Free knowledge can help to accelerate innovation, leading to new discoveries and advancements in fields like medicine, energy, and communication.

Free knowledge also has important implications for social and political progress. When people have access to accurate information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities. This can help to promote greater civic engagement and participation, leading to a more informed and active citizenry. Additionally, free knowledge can help to promote greater social justice by providing marginalized communities with access to important information and resources.

Of course, there are also challenges and potential drawbacks to the concept of free knowledge. For example, there is the risk of misinformation and fake news, which can spread quickly online and undermine the value of accurate information. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of free knowledge on industries like journalism and publishing, which rely on the sale of information for revenue.

Despite these challenges, however, the benefits of free knowledge far outweigh the drawbacks. By promoting greater access to information and knowledge, we can create a more informed and empowered global community. We can accelerate innovation and progress, promote greater social justice, and create new opportunities for people from all walks of life. Ultimately, free knowledge benefits all of us, and we should work to ensure that it remains freely available and accessible to everyone.

Why We Need Research Assessment
 Why We Need Research Assessment 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on transparency and integrity in research, particularly in the context of open science. Open science refers to the practice of making research more transparent, collaborative, and accessible to the wider community. This includes making research data, materials, and findings openly available for others to use and scrutinize.

Research assessment, or the evaluation of research for the purposes of funding, hiring, promotion, and other career advancements, plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and integrity in open science. In this article, we will explore why research assessment is important in regards to the transparency and integrity of open science.

Transparency in Research Assessment

Transparency is a key aspect of open science, and it is essential in research assessment as well. Researchers must be transparent about their methods, data, and findings to ensure that their work can be reproduced and validated by other researchers. When research assessment is transparent, it helps to promote this transparency in research.

For example, when a research assessment is conducted using clear, objective, and publicly available criteria, it allows researchers to understand what is expected of them, and it provides a clear roadmap for how they can improve their work. Furthermore, when research assessment is transparent, it helps to prevent bias and ensure that decisions are made based on the quality of the research, rather than personal opinions or affiliations.

Integrity in Research Assessment

Integrity is another important aspect of open science, and it is critical in research assessment as well. Research assessment must be conducted with integrity to ensure that the results are reliable, accurate, and trustworthy. Researchers must be honest about their findings, and they must avoid any conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of their work.

When research assessment is conducted with integrity, it helps to promote integrity in research. For example, when researchers know that their work will be evaluated based on its quality, rather than on their personal connections or affiliations, they are more likely to prioritize the integrity of their work. Furthermore, when research assessment is conducted with integrity, it helps to ensure that funding, hiring, and promotion decisions are made based on merit, rather than on personal biases or preferences.

Challenges to Research Assessment in Open Science

Despite the importance of research assessment in promoting transparency and integrity in open science, there are still challenges that must be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of standardized criteria for research assessment. Without clear, objective criteria, it can be difficult to compare and evaluate research across different disciplines and research areas. This can lead to inconsistencies in research assessment and can make it difficult to ensure that funding, hiring, and promotion decisions are based on merit.

Another challenge is the lack of transparency in the peer review process. Peer review is an essential part of research assessment, but it can be difficult to ensure that the process is transparent and unbiased. For example, reviewers may have conflicts of interest that are not disclosed, or they may be biased against certain types of research. To address these challenges, there has been a growing movement to make the peer review process more transparent, by making reviews and reviewer identities publicly available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research assessment plays a critical role in promoting transparency and integrity in open science. Transparent and objective research assessment criteria can help to promote transparency and prevent bias, while research assessment conducted with integrity can help to ensure that funding, hiring, and promotion decisions are based on merit. However, there are still challenges that must be addressed, including the lack of standardized criteria for research assessment and the need to make the peer review process more transparent. By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that research assessment continues to promote transparency and integrity in open science.

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