OPUS News

Introducing the OPUS Researcher Assessment Framework
Introducing the OPUS Researcher Assessment Framework 975 747 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Gareth O’Neill, Principal Consultant on Open Science at Technopolis Group Belgium (TGB), a partner in the OPUS project, will present the Researcher Assessment Framework at the NRFU Council meeting on March 28, 2024.

This framework, developed collaboratively within the OPUS project, aims to redefine standards and methodologies for evaluating researchers in the scientific community. The initial draft includes a comprehensive set of indicators covering various researcher activities, with a focus on Open Science. The draft is openly accessible online in the OPUS Project Zenodo Community

The NRFU Council meeting provides a vital platform for discussions on research standards and practices. Discussion of the OPUS Researcher Assessment Framework will inform the NRFU Council’s perspectives and potential initiatives, potentially contributing to research assessment reform in Ukraine. Continued engagement with stakeholders and consultations with the research community will refine the framework further.

Contributions of early-career researchers to reforming research assessment
Contributions of early-career researchers to reforming research assessment 845 630 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Sebastian Dahle from Eurodoc (an OPUS partner) will present on “Contributions of early-career researchers to reforming research assessment via OPUS, SECURE, and CoARA” at the 11th UNICA Scholarly Communication Seminar!

The 11th UNICA Scholarly Communication Seminar, “Open Science and Academic Libraries: Organisational Challenges in an Evolving Research Landscape,” will be kindly hosted by the University of Ljubljana22-24 April 2024.

About the Seminar

Universities have to address Horizon Europe Open Science policy, legislation updates and policies in the EU Member States, transformative agreements, diamond open access publishing, infrastructures, and other aspects of Open Science. Together with their libraries, they are facing organisational challenges that increasingly involve international environments and cooperation.

The seminar will focus on sharing Open Science good practices related to the management of academic libraries, the role of European Universities alliances, and the reform of research assessment:

  • How can universities and academic libraries best manage Open Science services to support their communities?
  • What are the most significant Open Science initiatives developed within the European Universities alliances in which UNICA member universities are involved?
  • How will COARA and the new research assessment model in the EU help drive Open Science?

Participation is free (no registration fee applies) and open to both UNICA member universities and non-UNICA institutions. 

See more!

OPUS Project Team Members: FAIR Data Training Course with EMBRC
OPUS Project Team Members: FAIR Data Training Course with EMBRC 990 674 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Two key members of the OPUS project, Corina Moya Falcon and Silvia Martín from PLOCAN, are actively participating in an exclusive online FAIR training course organised by the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC), January 23-25, 2024. The course, spanning today and tomorrow, aims to equip marine biologists with the essential skills to make their data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR).

PLOCAN, as the coordinator of the OPUS project, has taken the initiative to further enhance the capabilities of its team members by enrolling them in this practical and hands-on course. The training, hosted both at the InnovOcean Campus in Oostende, Belgium, and virtually, is focused on empowering marine scientists with the knowledge and tools necessary to optimise the longevity and reach of their data.

The EMBRC course dives deep into the significance of making data FAIR, emphasising the broader audience and extended lifespan that FAIR data can achieve. Participants will be guided through the intricacies of ensuring data is not only accessible to specialists but also to non-specialists. The course will cover the essential aspects of making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable through a series of practical exercises.

By actively participating in this course, the OPUS team members aim to leverage their newfound knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and impact of the OPUS project.

OPUS Featured at ISC’s Open Science Roundup in December 2023
OPUS Featured at ISC’s Open Science Roundup in December 2023 784 732 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In the latest edition of our Open Science roundup, the International Science Council and Moumita Koley brings us a celebration of the conclusion of the Year of Open Science and highlights the OPUS project as a key player in reshaping the research landscape.

Explore a thought-provoking editorial discussing the OPUS project and its substantial influence in promoting Open Science practices by clicking here.

The OPUS project, initiated to establish a framework recognising and rewarding Open Science practices, aims to revolutionise how research and researchers are evaluated at Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs). Through its mission, OPUS encourages researchers to engage in practices such as sharing research early, participating in open peer review, and ensuring the reproducibility of results.

Led by The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) and executed by a consortium of eighteen organizations, OPUS is making waves as a catalyst for change in the world of Open Science. It goes beyond being just a project, actively influencing how research is perceived, evaluated, and rewarded within the Open Science landscape.

Financed by the European Union through a GRANT AGREEMENT with the European Research Executive Agency (REA), OPUS is positioned as a transformative force in the Open Science era. Project number: 101058471.

Gordon Dalton presents OPUS Project and Future Goals at Open Science Event in Vilnius
Gordon Dalton presents OPUS Project and Future Goals at Open Science Event in Vilnius 1024 768 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Vilnius, Lithuania – Gordon Dalton, the OPUS project coordinator at PLOCAN, took the stage at the “Discover Open Science Activities in Lithuania” event today to showcase the notable achievements of the OPUS project over the past year and shed light on the future of Open Science principles.

In his presentation, Mr. Dalton not only highlighted the project’s accomplishments but also outlined a visionary path where Open Science and researcher assessment frameworks will take center stage. The OPUS team’s efforts, ranging from developing the Researcher Assessment Framework to implementing interventions, were showcased to provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s trajectory.

OPUS, in collaboration with three Research Performing Organizations (RPOs) and two Research Funding Organizations (RFOs), is actively piloting the implementation of the Research Assessment Framework. The initiative places a strong emphasis on practically integrating Open Science Principles within these pilot organizations, with the aim of influencing other institutions to provide incentives and rewards for researchers embracing Open Science.

During the presentation, Gordon Dalton delved into the complexity of the Researcher Assessment Framework and interventions, setting the stage for the tangible impact that OPUS aspires to make in the academic landscape.

One noteworthy aspect of OPUS is its commitment to action plans and mutual learning exercises. The project is executing testing phases for indicators and interventions within its pilot organizations, a process that will be detailed in Deliverable D4.3 – “Action Plans to Implement the Pilots – Final.” This strategic approach ensures a systematic implementation of the Research Assessment Framework, with OPUS taking on a direct role in providing training and resources while closely monitoring progress and offering ongoing support.

OPUS is committed to advancing Open Science and reshaping academia. The project’s teamwork and hands-on initiatives highlight its dedication to turning Open Science principles into action, benefiting researchers and the wider scientific community.

OPUS Annual General Meeting 2023: Paving the Way for the Future of Open Science and Research Assessment
OPUS Annual General Meeting 2023: Paving the Way for the Future of Open Science and Research Assessment 1024 768 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The OPUS team, a collaborative effort in the Open Science field, convened for its Annual General Meeting on November 8, 2023, both physically in Prague and virtually. The OPUS Annual General Meeting showcased not only the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for a future where Open Science principles and researcher assessment frameworks take center stage.
Leaders from each work package showcased their achievements in the project’s first year and laid out a roadmap for the next two years.

OPUS collaborates directly with three Research Performing Organizations (RPOs) and two Research Funding Organizations (RFOs) to pilot the implementation of the Research Assessment Framework. The initiative also focuses on the practical integration of Open Science Principles in these pilot RPOs and RFOs, aiming to influence other organizations in providing rewards and incentives for researchers.

Project Overview: Year 1 Achievements
Corina Moya Falcón, Project Coordinator at PLOCAN, kicked off the meeting with an insightful overview of the OPUS project’s first year. The team’s endeavors, ranging from Researcher Assessment Framework to interventions, were highlighted, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the project’s trajectory.

Researcher Assessment Framework and Interventions
Gareth O’Neill, Scientific Coordinator at TGB and Emma Day from Vitae, delved into the intricacies of the Researcher Assessment Framework and interventions. The presentations on the Proposal of Interventions and Indicators/Metrics for Open Science/Researcher Assessment laid the groundwork for the tangible impact OPUS aims to make in the academic landscape.

Pilot Organisations Launch Phase
The OPUS Pilot Organisations Launch Phase saw short presentations from NOVA, UNIRI, and UCY, providing a glimpse into the pilot actions’ initiation. The interactive session allowed for a participative Q&A, fostering engagement and collaboration.

Action Plans and Mutual Learning Exercise
The execution of testing phases for indicators and interventions within OPUS pilot organisations will be detailed in Deliverable D4.3 Action Plans to Implement the Pilots – Final..
OPUS is set to play a direct role in providing training and resources to facilitate the implementation of the Research Assessment Framework, closely monitoring progress and offering ongoing support.

Future Developments: A Glimpse into the Next Phase
Looking ahead, OPUS outlined its plans for the next phase of the project, which includes the development of a Final Policy Brief for Open Science. This document will encapsulate the project’s findings and recommendations, guiding stakeholders on how to leverage OPUS results effectively.

Another significant milestone on the horizon is the release of the Open Science Career Assessment Matrix 2 (OS-CAM2). As the primary outcome of the OPUS project, OS-CAM2 represents an updated and revised version of the Open Science Career Assessment Matrix. Building on the groundwork laid in D2.5 Interventions for Open Science (Rewards WP2 and Incentives for Researchers) and D3.5 Indicators/Metrics for Open Science (Rewards and Incentives for Researchers), the OS-CAM2 is poised to make a lasting impact on how Open Science practices are assessed and recognised.

As the project continues to evolve, the OPUS team remains committed to fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and innovation in the research community.

KRECon 2023: OPUS workshop on reforming research(er) assessment
KRECon 2023: OPUS workshop on reforming research(er) assessment 1000 332 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In an era of transformative change in the world of research, the questions that echo loudly are – What is the true role of research and researchers? What needs to change in current assessment systems and practices? How can we create a more sustainable research funding landscape? At the upcoming KRECon 2023 conference, taking place at the National Library of Technology in Prague on November 9-10, 2023, you’ll have the chance to find the answers and be a catalyst for change.

The OPUS workshop, scheduled for November 9, from 10:00 to 12:00 led by our team experts: Gareth O’Neill from Technopolis Group and Emma Day from Vitae. The workshop will delve deep into discussions on reforming research(er) assessment.

This year, KRECon 2023 takes a deep dive into the future of research assessment. Three distinct sessions, alongside a stimulating panel discussion, will ignite dialogue and innovation:

  • Session 1: Reforming Research Assessment
  • Session 2: Researcher Career Assessment
  • Session 3: Research Grant Assessment
  • Panel Discussion: The Future of Research(er) Assessment

The central focus is a critical evaluation of existing practices, accompanied by discussions on transformative reforms that can elevate research and researcher evaluation across diverse domains.

Research assesment and its role

Research assessment plays a vital role in shaping research culture, funding decisions, and career advancement. In our ever-evolving research landscape, it’s crucial to explore more accurate methods for assessing research impact and value, fostering a robust research environment.

Current evaluation methods face scrutiny for their limitations and biases. Metrics like publication quantity and citations as proxies for research quality and impact are outdated. These methods, with narrow criteria, influence recognition, rewards, and incentives, often leading to excessive output and premature publication. This has economic consequences as publishers increase content annually. Research institutions invest public funds in publications, with a potential solution lying in a more sensible evaluation approach.

About the conference

Since 2010, the Knowledge, Research, Education Conferences (KRECon) have been a cornerstone of intellectual exchange. Hosted at the National Library of Technology, these gatherings unite global and local experts in higher education, research, and innovation. The aim? To challenge the status quo and provoke new, unexplored perspectives on pressing topics, some of which are yet to find solid ground in the Czech Republic.

Who Should Attend?

  • Governmental policymakers responsible for Research Performing Organisations’ assessment, including Higher Education Institutions.
  • Higher education and research institution leaders, from rectors to directors of research institutes and doctoral schools.
  • Professionals and support staff dedicated to doctoral education.
  • Academics, senior researchers, and early-career researchers.
  • Non-governmental organizations engaged in data collection, career tracking, and consultancy.

The primary language of the conference is English, ensuring accessibility to a global audience. Importantly, KRECon 2023 is open to all, and attendance is free of charge.

The KRECon 2023 Conference Board, comprising distinguished figures from academia and policy, will steer the discussions:

  • Tomáš Polívka (Vice-chair of the RDI Council), Czech Republic – Chair
  • Eva Dibuszová (Head of Department for Strategy and Development at the National Library of Technology), Czech Republic
  • Pavel Doleček (Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation), Czech Republic
  • Eva Hnátková (Open Science Coordinator at the National Library of Technology/University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czech Republic
  • Melita Kovačević (Professor at University of Zagreb/Vice-Chair of PRIDE Network), Croatia
  • Martin Loebl (Vice-chair of the Learned Society), Czech Republic
  • Gareth O’Neill (Principal Consultant on Open Science at Technopolis Group), The Netherlands
  • Martin Svoboda (Director of National Library of Technology), Czech Republic

The KRECon 2023 Conference is organised by the National Library of Technology in Prague (NTK) under the patronage of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MEYS, MŠMT in Czech).

Join here and explore the future of research assessment!

Have Your Say in the OPUS Project Survey and the Future of Research!
Have Your Say in the OPUS Project Survey and the Future of Research! 674 794 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Open Science is not just a buzzword – it’s a movement that’s shaping the future of research, and you can be a part of it. Until October 31, 2023, your voice matters in the OPUS survey that could transform the landscape of how we evaluate and reward researchers.

The OPUS project is on a mission to revolutionize how we assess researchers. Our vision is clear: a more equitable, inclusive, and rewarding system that champions Open Science. But what exactly is Open Science?

At its core, Open Science is a noble quest to make research more accessible. Imagine a world where research isn’t locked behind paywalls and secrecy, where methods, publications, data, software, and educational materials are freely exchanged. That’s the Open Science dream, and it’s within reach.

Your Chance to Make a Difference

Here’s where you come in. The OPUS project needs your input. The OPUS project is conducting a survey, and your insights will shape the future. This survey is a call to action for researchers from all walks of life. It’s an exploration of what rewards would truly motivate researchers to embrace Open Science wholeheartedly.

Your opinions are more valuable than you might think. The results of the survey will be the building blocks for a new era in research assessment, and they’ll be out there for all to see. Open, transparent, and inclusive – just as research should be.

Don’t miss this chance to help pave the way for a brighter future in the world of research. Take the survey here.

Share this opportunity with your fellow researchers, and together, let’s unlock a future where knowledge knows no bounds.

OPUS consortium partner Eurodoc Releases First CoARA Action Plan
OPUS consortium partner Eurodoc Releases First CoARA Action Plan 1014 326 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc) signed the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) agreement on September 29th, 2022, thereby becoming one of the early signatories. Eurodoc is committed to actively working towards reforming the European research assessment system and welcomes the initiatives coming from CoARA.

Eurodoc’s Vision and Mission

Eurodoc’s Vision: A fair and sustainable research culture where early career researchers are treated with respect and have access to long-term and stable career pathways.

Eurodoc’s Mission: To advocate for positive change in the policies, culture, and environment that affect the quality of training, well-being, and employment conditions of early career researchers.

Guiding Values and Principles

Eurodoc’s daily activities are grounded in participative democracy and decision-making that aims to constructively build consensus. It is a collective endeavor to involve and empower every individual while keeping the best interests of the wider community in mind. Eurodoc’s culture is centered on mutual respect and mutual valorization of each other’s capabilities, skills, and aspirations.

Developing the CoARA Action Plan

Eurodoc is committed to developing the CoARA Action Plan in close collaboration with its member associations to ensure that the work aligns with the community’s needs and that they are actively involved in any change processes.

The process involves proposing the action plan, milestones, and assessment guidelines by the administrative board in consultation with key internal stakeholders, such as member associations and relevant working groups. Formal approval and adoption will be confirmed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the highest decision-making body.

Involving Researchers

Eurodoc represents early career researchers, and all its active volunteers are researchers. Member associations that form Eurodoc are national organizations representing early career researchers, with many of their active volunteers being researchers. Eurodoc will actively interact with its international and diverse network to implement its action plan.

Sharing Good Practices

Eurodoc members, including member associations, will be actively involved in the development and revision process through consultation and co-creation. Regular meetings are institutionalized to serve as a platform for sharing good practices and facilitating knowledge exchange. Eurodoc offers open access to its resources and encourages knowledge exchange between diverse groups of organizations.

Capacity and Resources

Eurodoc is run by volunteers and does not have access to structural funding. Projects are prioritized based on their importance for the mission and vision, as well as their potential impact on improving the careers and conditions of early career researchers.

Milestones for Action Plan Development

The development of the action plan and milestones is envisioned as an iterative two-year process involving the community to ensure progress and adaptability. Key milestones include:

  • Formulation of commitments
  • Exchange with member associations and working groups
  • Creating an overview of assessment areas
  • Receiving feedback from member associations
  • Drafting assessment guidelines
  • Confirmation and adoption at the AGM
  • Iterative process for implementation, testing, and revision

Conclusion

Eurodoc is committed to its mission and vision of promoting a fair and sustainable research culture. Through active engagement with its member associations and the broader research community, Eurodoc aims to develop a CoARA Action Plan that aligns with the needs and aspirations of early career researchers in Europe. In doing so, Eurodoc seeks to contribute to positive change in research assessment practices and foster a more inclusive and equitable research environment.

Date of Publication: 04.10.2023


List of Authors (Board)

  • Pil Maria Saugmann
  • Hannah Schoch
  • Sebastian Dahle
  • Devriş İşler
  • Sarah Pilia
  • Aleksandra Lewandowska

List of Contributors (Others)

  • Oleksandr Berezko
  • Linnea Carlsson
  • Nicola Dengo

Eurodoc, the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers, is a grassroots federation of 25 national associations of early career researchers (ECRs) from 23 countries across Europe. Eurodoc was established in 2002 and is based in Brussels. As a representative of doctoral candidates and junior researchers at the European level, Eurodoc engages with all major stakeholders in research and innovation in Europe.

View Eurodoc Statement here

The Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2023 presenting OPUS
The Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2023 presenting OPUS 1024 459 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2023, #VitaeCon2023, is a must-attend event for those passionate about the policies and practices shaping global researcher development. This conference promises to be a dynamic gathering taking place on September 25th and 26th, 2023, at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, UK

OPUS team members Gareth O’Neil from the Technopolis Group and Emma Day from Vitae will be actively involved in this conference. They will lead a workshop linked to the OPUS project and Gareth will deliver a talk primarily related to the SECURE project, with some insights into OPUS.

The #VitaeCon2023 conference recognises the diverse preferences of its participants, offering both in-person and online formats. Building upon last year’s success, this year’s event features an expanded face-to-face programme at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

Key Goals of #VitaeCon2023:

  • Propel discussions on researcher development forward.
  • Leverage past and present experiences to foresee future goals and challenges.
  • Showcase policies and practices and facilitate their integration.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that brings together diverse perspectives for shared learning.

#VitaeCon2023 promises to be a globally inclusive researcher development community, connecting professionals from various corners of the world.

Notable Plenary Sessions:

  1. What Needs to Change in the Research Landscape? – Featuring insights from global representatives, including Wellcome, Eurodoc, ASPIRE, and the Black Female Academics’ Network.
  2. Championing Equity during Career Transitions in Researcher Careers – Exploring the crucial aspect of equity in research career transitions.
  3. Innovation and Practice in the Professional and Career Development of Researchers – Unveiling innovative approaches in researcher development.
  4. Horizon Scanning: Researcher Development in an Evolving Landscape – Gaining insight into the future of researcher development.

The Vitae ICE Awards Ceremony:

The prestigious Vitae ICE Awards ceremony is a highlight of the event and will take place during the Gala dinner (Gala dinner ticket required) on Monday, September 25th, in the Revolution Manchester Gallery.

These awards celebrate excellence in researcher development across four categories:

  1. Newcomer of the Year
  2. Outstanding Contribution
  3. Research Culture Impact through Researcher Development
  4. Innovative and Inclusive Practice

To learn more about the conference and access the conference guide, please visit this link.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this enriching, global discussion on researcher development. Follow #VitaeCon2023 to stay updated and join the conversation.

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