Open Science News

A comprehensive international study published in Nature Human Behaviour has found that most people around the world trust scientists and support their involvement in policymaking. The research, conducted across 68 countries with 71,922 respondents, challenges the popular narrative of a widespread crisis of trust in science. Key findings include:

1. Trust in scientists is moderately high globally, with no country showing low overall trust. The grand mean of trust was 3.62 on a 5-point scale, where 3 represents neither high nor low trust.
2. 83% of respondents agree that scientists should communicate about science with the public, particularly in African countries.
3. People generally want scientists to prioritise research on public health and solving energy problems. However, there’s a notable discrepancy between what people perceive science is currently prioritising and what they expect scientists to prioritise.
4. Trust varies across countries and demographic groups:
   • Women, older people, and more educated individuals show higher levels of trust.
   • Urban residents and those with higher incomes tend to trust scientists more.
   • Contrary to some assumptions, religiosity is positively associated with trust in scientists overall, though this varies by country and religion.
5. Political orientation’s relationship with trust in scientists differs significantly between countries:
   • In several European and North American countries, right-leaning and conservative orientations are associated with lower trust.
   • However, in most countries (41 out of 68), there’s no credible evidence of a relationship between political orientation and trust in scientists.
   • In some Eastern European, Southeast Asian, and African countries, right-leaning individuals have higher trust in scientists.
6. Social dominance orientation and science-related populist attitudes are associated with lower trust in scientists.
7. People with high trust in scientists strongly favour scientists’ engagement in society and policymaking, especially in English-speaking countries.

The study also found that while there’s no widespread lack of trust, even small distrusting minorities could impact the consideration of scientific evidence in policymaking. The authors suggest that scientists wishing to gain public trust could work on being more receptive to feedback, more transparent about their funding and data sources, and invest more effort into communicating about science with the public. This large-scale study provides valuable insights for scientists and policymakers seeking to maintain and increase public trust in science, emphasising the importance of open communication and addressing public research priorities. It also highlights the need for more international research that includes under-represented countries and understudied subpopulations to better understand the nuances of trust in scientists across different cultural and political contexts.

See more here!

Photo credit: The Oxford Scientist

Open Science NL has announced the reopening of its funding programme for Open Science Meetings in 2025, introducing expanded eligibility criteria to foster broader engagement. Alongside universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutes, museums, libraries, patient organisations, and citizen collectives can now serve as co-applicants for funding.

This expansion follows feedback gathered through a 2024 survey from both users and non-users of the programme. The initiative continues to support events such as workshops, symposia, and conferences that promote open science principles. By including a wider range of applicants, Open Science NL aims to enhance accessibility to scientific knowledge production, evaluation, and communication beyond traditional academic circles.

A new addition this year allows reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs for speakers, while the maximum funding per meeting remains €15,000.

Application Procedure

• Each applicant may submit one funding request per year.
• Applications are processed on a rolling basis, in order of receipt, until the budget is exhausted or the deadline of 11 December 2025.
• There is no competition between proposals, and decisions are made within six weeks by the Open Science NL office without external advisory input.

For more details on conditions and the application process, visit the Open Science NL call page.

Academic freedom, a cornerstone of democratic societies, is increasingly under threat both in Europe and globally. Recognizing the urgency of protecting this essential value, the European Parliament launched the STOA Forum for Academic Freedom in 2022. This initiative serves as a platform for open dialogue, fostering collaboration among policymakers, experts, and academia to address the challenges facing academic freedom today.

The Forum’s annual high-level conference is its flagship event, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss how academic freedom can be upheld and strengthened. The event also highlights findings from the EP Academic Freedom Monitor, which assesses the legal and practical protection of academic freedom within the European Union.

Programme Overview

Part I: Opening Session and Panel Discussion

Location: Library Reading Room SPINELLI 5D
Time: 14:00 – 15:30

The event begins with opening speeches by notable figures:

• Christian EHLER, STOA Chair
• Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament
• Andrzej SZEPTYCKI, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland
• Ekaterina ZAHARIEVA, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

This is followed by a panel discussion on the state of academic freedom in the EU—law and practice, featuring:

• Marc LEMAÎTRE, Director General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Milena ŽIC FUCHS, Member of the European Research Council – Scientific Council
• Andrzej SZEPTYCKI, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland
• Moderator: Robert-Jan SMITS, President of the Executive Board, Eindhoven University of Technology

Part II: Parallel Sessions

Time: 15:45 – 16:45

Participants will choose between two focused sessions:

1. International Perspectives on Academic Freedom
   • Panelists include experts from the UN, the Council of Europe, and former ministers, such as:
     • Christina MEINECKE-CHALEV, UNHCHR Regional Representative
     • Villano QIRIAZI, Head of the Council of Europe Education Department
     • Robbert DIJKGRAAF, Former Minister of Education, Culture and Science, The Netherlands
     • Moderator: Robert-Jan SMITS
2. Furthering the Assessment of Academic Freedom
   • Discussions will center on the concept, methodology, and monitoring of academic freedom, featuring:
     • Professor Peter MAASSEN, University of Oslo
     • Professor Vasiliki KOSTA and Dr Olga CERAN, University of Leiden
     • Moderator: Ferenc HAMMER, ELTE University, Budapest

Both sessions will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

Closing Remarks

Time: 16:45 – 17:00

The event concludes with reflections from:

• Christian EHLER, STOA Chair
• Victor NEGRESCU, EP Vice-President responsible for STOA

Key Takeaways

The STOA Forum’s annual conference underscores the importance of academic freedom as a pillar of democracy. By engaging with diverse perspectives and presenting findings from the Academic Freedom Monitor, the event aims to create actionable strategies to safeguard this fundamental value across Europe.

The event will be conducted in English and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. A confirmation email will be sent to registered participants, and all are encouraged to check their spam folders for updates.

The event will be webstreamed here.

The UK Research Integrity Office will host a free webinar on February 5th, 2025, focusing on advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within research. The event will explore strategies for embedding EDI principles throughout the research process, from funding and design to analysis and dissemination.

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive Research Practices: The webinar will emphasize the importance of inclusive research that benefits all populations, particularly those historically underrepresented or excluded from research.
• Embedding EDI in Research: Attendees will learn how to integrate EDI considerations into each stage of the research lifecycle, from formulating research questions to disseminating findings.
• Building Equitable Research Cultures: The webinar will address how to foster equitable and inclusive research environments, particularly for postgraduate researchers. This includes exploring systemic inequalities and implementing strategies to support diverse student populations.
• The Role of EDI in Research Integrity: The session will discuss how EDI considerations contribute to research integrity, quality, and overall research excellence.

Speakers:

The webinar will feature presentations from leading experts in the field of EDI in research:

• Dr. Chris Newby: Senior Statistician and Quantitative Advisor at the Research Support Service, Leicester and Partners Hub.
• Dr. Rebecca Barnes: Senior Qualitative Methods Advisor at the NIHR Research Support Service Hub.
• Dr. Maisha Islam: Research Culture Lead (EDI) at the University of Southampton.

Register Now:

This webinar is free and open to all interested individuals. To register, please click here.

About the UK Research Integrity Office:

The UK Research Integrity Office is dedicated to promoting and upholding the highest standards of research integrity across all disciplines.

This webinar provides a valuable opportunity for researchers, educators, and anyone interested in advancing EDI in research to learn from leading experts and engage in important discussions.

📅 Date: Monday, 17 February 2025
⏰ Time: 08:30–16:00 CET
📍 Location: The Hague, Netherlands
🎟️ Free Registration

In an era where Open Science is transforming the research landscape, equipping researchers with the right skills is essential for fostering transparency, collaboration, and innovation. The Skills4EOSC Workshop, held during the International Digital Curation Conference 2025 (IDCC25), is tailored to empower participants with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully adopt Open Science practices.

What to Expect

The workshop focuses on three key pillars:

• Defining Minimum Viable Skills (MVS):
  • Learn the foundational skillsets required for engaging in Open Science.
  • Understand how MVS can shape roles in the research ecosystem.
• Developing FAIR-Compliant Learning Materials:
  • Explore methodologies for creating educational resources that adhere to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).
  • Gain insights into best practices and real-world examples.
• Recognition Framework for Open Science Skills:
  • Discover mechanisms for validating and acknowledging Open Science competencies, such as open badges, certificates, and European digital credentials.
  • Review successful implementations of the Skills4EOSC recognition framework.

Interactive and Hands-On Learning

The workshop will include engaging group activities:

• Participants will choose an MVS profile and explore its application in their contexts.
• Feedback sessions will address adoption strategies and potential barriers.

Who Should Attend?

• Researchers and educators committed to advancing Open Science practices.
• Policymakers and stakeholders involved in creating FAIR-aligned educational resources.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Clearly understand the essential skills for Open Science.
• Gain practical experience in developing FAIR-by-design educational materials.
• Learn how to apply recognition frameworks for skill validation.
• Access a wealth of newly developed Skills4EOSC learning resources.

Materials Provided

• Online learning materials, presentations, and activity summaries.
• Templates for MVS profiles, FAIR learning resources, and recognition tools.
• Access to comprehensive Skills4EOSC resources.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of advancing Open Science practices. Join #IDCC25 to learn, share, and innovate!

🔗 Register now to secure your spot.

Join an insightful virtual event on January 30, co-hosted by The DataPASS Journal Editors Discussion Interface, to explore the complex dynamics between journal editors and publishers. The panel features experts Anna Stilz (UC Berkeley), Johan Rooryck (Leiden University/cOAlition S), Jon Gurstelle (American Political Science Association), and Moin Syed (University of Minnesota), with moderation by Sebastian Karcher (Syracuse University/The Journal Editors Discussion Interface (JEDI)).

Key Topics:

• Editorial Independence: Balancing academic integrity with publisher demands.
• Open Access Challenges: Addressing accessibility barriers and promoting equitable dissemination of knowledge.
• Alternative Publication Models: Rethinking traditional publishing frameworks for innovation and inclusivity.
• Negotiation Strategies: Tips for managing relationships with commercial publishers.
• Impact of Commercial Interests: Understanding how profit-driven motives influence scholarly publishing.

This discussion offers a candid exchange of ideas, drawing on the panelists’ diverse experiences in academic publishing. It aims to equip attendees with strategies to foster productive partnerships while upholding the values of open and ethical scholarship.

Event Details:
📅 Date: January 30
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM CET
📍 Online

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the evolving landscape of academic publishing.

EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) is hosting the first in a series of webinars dedicated to exploring the use of Open Journal Systems (OJS), a free and open-source software designed to streamline the management and publishing of scholarly journals. These sessions will highlight real-world examples of OJS implementation and its impact on academic publishing.

Webinar Details:
📅 Date: 30 January 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00–11:00 AM CET
🔗 Registration: Required. Register here.

Agenda Highlights:

• Norwegian Septentrio Academic Publishing:
  Karl Magnus Nilsen, Senior Platform Engineer, and Dr. Aysa Ekanger, Senior Platform Advisor, will discuss their experiences managing this publishing platform.
• OJS for Journals and Conferences:
  Dr. Vaso Manojlović, Journal Manager, will share insights into using OJS for both individual journals and conference proceedings.
• Open Access Metadata Harvesting:
  Friedrich Summann, CORE Operations Manager, will explain enabling the Open Access Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH) in OJS.

This webinar offers a valuable opportunity for academic professionals, journal managers, and librarians to deepen their understanding of OJS and its versatile applications in supporting open access publishing.

An Open Research Conversation at the University of Sheffield

Date and Time
📅 Wednesday, January 22
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CET
📍 Online

About the Event
Citizen science, often overshadowed in open research discussions, represents a unique form of openness, distinct from practices like open access publishing. It invites members of the public to actively participate in research by collecting and analyzing data, fostering inclusivity and collaboration between academic researchers and everyday citizens.

This one-hour session, part of the University of Sheffield’s Open Research Conversation series, delves into the challenges, benefits, and transformative opportunities of citizen science. Attendees will gain insights from experienced researchers who have led and facilitated citizen science projects across diverse fields.

Speakers:

• Dr. Jill Edmondson – School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield
• Dr. Andrea Jimenez – Information School, University of Sheffield
• Dr. Melissa Lacey and Dr. Rachel Schwartz-Narbonne – School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University

Key Highlights:

• Learn how citizen science promotes inclusivity in research.
• Explore practical examples and methodologies for engaging the public.
• Discuss the unique challenges and benefits of citizen science projects.

The event is organized by the Scholarly Communications Team at the University of Sheffield Library and is open to researchers, educators, and anyone curious about how citizen science bridges the gap between academia and the wider community.

For more information and registration, click here.

Next Online Event: 22 January 2025, 10:00-11:00 CET

As traditional publication-driven research assessments face increasing limitations, two significant movements—Open Science and Responsible Research Assessment—are gaining momentum and reinforcing each other. Open Science offers transparency that can drive reform in research evaluation, while responsible assessment encourages practices aligned with Open Science principles. Together, these movements present an opportunity to reshape how research and researchers are evaluated.

In bimonthly sessions, facilitated by the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University, stakeholders explore key questions:

• How can research assessments integrate Open Science principles?
• What does Open Science mean in practice for researchers and institutions?

Upcoming Event: Monitoring Open Science at University Level for Research Assessment

Date: 22 January 2025
Time: 10:00-11:00 CET

The upcoming session will delve into how universities monitor Open Science practices and their implications for research assessment. Experts will discuss evolving evaluation systems that consider broader research activities and ensure accessibility of scientific results.

Panelists:

• Rita Morais (European University Association): Adviser on research assessment, academic careers, and Open Science; CoARA Working Group coordinator.
• Biljana Kosanović (University of Belgrade): Open Science policy expert; OpenAIRE national coordinator for Serbia.
• Ana Đorđević (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Chemistry): Institutional repository manager; pilot coordinator for the GraspOS project.
• Nicolas Fressengeas (University of Lorraine): Open Science officer; expert in research assessment and national Open Science infrastructure.

Registration:
Sign up to receive the invitation and event link. Details will be shared closer to the date.

About the Series

The Community of Practice brings together funders, research managers, and researchers to discuss how research assessments can incorporate Open Science responsibly. Through shared experiences and insights, participants address challenges, frustrations, and successes in reforming research evaluation practices.

Objectives:

• Explore responsible research assessment frameworks that integrate Open Science principles.
• Engage with diverse epistemic communities to pilot best practices.
• By June 2025, produce a written brief summarizing key learnings, including GraspOS tool requirements and insights into responsible research assessment challenges.

Join the conversation and be part of shaping the future of research assessment.

Metascience, the study of science itself, has rapidly gained momentum as a transformative field. By applying scientific methods to analyze and improve the research system, it has attracted a diverse and growing community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide. This interdisciplinary movement has catalyzed numerous initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and redesigning scientific processes.

The biennial Metascience conferences, launched at Stanford University in 2019, have become a central hub for this global community. From June 30 to July 2, 2025, the largest conference yet—Metascience 2025—will convene at University College London (UCL), hosted by the Research on Research Institute (RoRI). Located in London’s Knowledge Quarter, this event will bring together 650 participants to exchange ideas, share methods, and promote a culture of experimentation and learning.

Call for Proposals

Metascience 2025 is now accepting proposals for:

• Virtual pre-conference symposia
• In-person panels
• Talks and posters

Submissions are encouraged on all topics related to metascience, with a focus on the conference’s three key themes:

1. Institutions
   • Examining how governments, universities, funders, and private organizations are strengthening metascience.
   • Exploring effective approaches in public, private, and third sectors to enhance decision-making and research cultures.
   • Investigating new research institutions and their impact on metascience.
2. Innovations
   • Assessing the role of emerging technologies, especially AI, in advancing metascience.
   • Exploring innovations in publishing, peer review, high-risk research, and transdisciplinary approaches.
   • Scaling up successful advancements in research systems.
3. Alliances
   • Building long-term infrastructures to support metascience and open data initiatives.
   • Exploring the potential of a new Metascience Alliance to foster collaboration, career development, and experimentation.

Proposals addressing these themes, intersections between them, or novel areas of metascience are welcomed. The event encourages submissions from underrepresented groups to ensure an inclusive and diverse program.

Submission Details

• Deadline: Friday, 7 February 2025, 23:59 GMT. Late submissions may be considered based on availability.
• Notification: Selections will be announced by 21 March 2025.
• Contact: Questions can be directed to metascience@nomadit.co.uk.

Metascience 2025 promises to be a landmark event, driving innovation and collaboration across disciplines to reshape the future of research.