OPUS News

Save the Date: July 9-10, 2025

The OPUS (Open and Universal Science Project) Consortium will hold its Final Conference at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of Open Science and responsible research practices in Europe.

The two-day conference will showcase the main outcomes and key exploitable results of the OPUS project, with experts, policymakers, and research organisations exploring how Open Science policies can be effectively implemented at institutional and national levels. Online participation will be available via Zoom.

Day 1 – 9 July 2025

09:00 – 09:30
Registration of Participants

09:30 – 10:00
Welcome

• Opening by Corina Moya-Falcón, OPUS Coordinator (PLOCAN)
• Gustavo Merino, Director of the UNESCO Social Policies Division, Social and Human Sciences Sector
• Rinske van den Berg, REA Project Officer

10:00 – 12:30
OPUS Project: Main Outcomes and Key Exploitable Results
This session will present OPUS outcomes, particularly the Research Assessment Framework and insights from implementation that may be exploited by other RFOs and RPOs.

10:00 – 10:30 – OPUS Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF)
Gareth O’Neill (TGB) and Emma Day (Vitae)

10:30 – 12:00 – Pilot Action and Mutual Learning

10:30 – 10:40
Introduction – Raquel Vega (YERUN) and Helen Clare (JISC)

10:40 – 10:55
Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) – Pilot Action

10:55 – 11:10
Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) – Pilot Action

11:10 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 11:45
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL) – Pilot Action

11:45 – 12:00
University of Rijeka (UNIRI) – Pilot Action

12:00 – 12:15
University of Cyprus (UCY) – Pilot Action

12:15 – 12:30
Beyond the Project Pilot Actions

An example from a research infrastructure: PLOCAN

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch Break

14:00 – 14:15
Lessons Learnt: Supporting OS Policies at Institutional Level
Presentation of the OPUS Policy Brief – Juliana Chaves Chaparro, Senior Consultant, UNESCO MOST Section

14:15 – 15:45
Research Assessment and Open Science – Panel Discussion
Led by Gareth O’Neill
Participants TBC

15:45 – 16:00
Wrap-up and Highlights: Closing of Day 1 and Outlook for Day 2

• Irakli Khodeli, Chief of the MOST Section (UNESCO)
• Rinske van den Berg, REA Project Officer and EC Policy Officer
• Corina Moya-Falcón, OPUS Coordinator (PLOCAN)

Day 2 – 10 July 2025

10:00 – 12:30
Final Project Meeting (OPUS Partners Only)
Wrap-up on the project and next steps
Moderated by Corina Moya-Falcón (PLOCAN) and Francesca Pratesi (Resolvo)

📍 Location: UNESCO, Room IX, Paris, France

Register here!

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This event will highlight the transformative achievements of OPUS, focusing on the development of a comprehensive researcher assessment framework, innovative indicators, and key interventions that promote Open Science.

As OPUS aims to transform research assessment, the conference will feature a detailed presentation of the project’s approach to incentivising and rewarding Open Science practices. Key highlights include new assessment indicators, real-world pilot implementations, and impactful interventions at Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs).

Register here!

Key Themes & Topics

1. Assessing Researchers and Incentivising Open Science
OPUS introduces a set of indicators and metrics that monitor and encourage the adoption of Open Science. Topics will include open access to research outputs, early and open sharing, open peer review, reproducibility, and stakeholder engagement.

2. The Generic Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF)
This framework provides a holistic evaluation system for researchers based on four key categories: Proposal Development, Methods Development, Research Outputs, and Research Impact. It focuses on Open Science contributions and offers a comprehensive system for researcher assessment.

3. Piloting Research Assessment Reforms
The conference will showcase real-world experiences from OPUS pilot programs at three RPOs (Nova University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, and University of Rijeka) and two RFOs (UEFISCDI in Romania and the Research Council of Lithuania). These pilots, running from January 2024 to June 2025, assess the effectiveness of new metrics and methodologies.

4. Interventions for Open Science Adoption
OPUS has created a series of interventions, including policy changes, resource allocation, repository development, awareness campaigns, and training programs. The impact of these initiatives on fostering Open Science cultures will be evaluated within pilot organisations.

5. Current Progress & Future Steps
As OPUS nears its conclusion in August 2025, the conference will offer insights into the ongoing implementation of Open Science reforms, the development of updated Open Science indicators, and the creation of the Open Science Career Assessment Matrix (OS-CAM2). Policy briefs and recommendations aimed at integrating Open Science into mainstream research assessment practices will also be discussed.

This final conference provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders to engage in discussions about the future of research assessment and how to ensure the sustainability of Open Science initiatives in Europe and beyond.

Register here!

Exploring the Future of Open Science and Industry Collaboration

The intersection of academia and industry is a driving force behind innovation. On 9 April 2025, experts in the public and private sectors, as well as researchers with experience in both academia and industry will convene online for the Workshop on Industry and Open Science. This event will delve into the power of Open Science (OS) and Open Innovation (OI) in transforming industries and fostering strategic collaborations.

Hosted under the OPUS Project, the workshop will showcase real-world applications of OS/OI, highlight best practices, and examine the evolving role of researchers navigating both academia and the private sector. Participants will gain first-hand insights from industry pioneers, engage in interactive discussions, and explore pathways to stronger cross-sector partnerships.

Why Attend?

• Discover how Open Science and Open Innovation are shaping industries and driving sustainable growth.
• Learn from experts at AstraZeneca, CERN, and BrainZell, who will share firsthand experiences in leveraging OS/OI.
• Examine collaboration models that are breaking barriers between research institutions and businesses.
• Engage in an interactive discussion and Q&A with leading figures in the field.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is tailored for:

• Researchers exploring new collaboration opportunities
• Universities seeking to bridge the gap between academia and industry
• Funders looking to maximize research impact
• Policy makers driving innovation frameworks
• Industry experts engaging with Open Science strategies

How to Register

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an important conversation on the future of industry-academia collaboration. Please register here.

Please note: While the workshop is held online, some project partners will be present at the University of Cyprus. Researchers on campus are welcome to join in person. 

Join us in shaping the future of Open Science and Innovation!

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is excited to announce its final conference, set to take place in Paris on July 9-10, 2025. This landmark event will highlight the transformative achievements of OPUS, focusing on the development of a comprehensive researcher assessment framework, innovative indicators, and key interventions that promote Open Science.

As OPUS aims to transform research assessment, the conference will feature a detailed presentation of the project’s approach to incentivising and rewarding Open Science practices. Key highlights include new assessment indicators, real-world pilot implementations, and impactful interventions at Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs).

Register here!

Key Themes & Topics

1. Assessing Researchers and Incentivising Open Science
OPUS introduces a set of indicators and metrics that monitor and encourage the adoption of Open Science. Topics will include open access to research outputs, early and open sharing, open peer review, reproducibility, and stakeholder engagement.

2. The Generic Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF)
This framework provides a holistic evaluation system for researchers based on four key categories: Proposal Development, Methods Development, Research Outputs, and Research Impact. It focuses on Open Science contributions and offers a comprehensive system for researcher assessment.

3. Piloting Research Assessment Reforms
The conference will showcase real-world experiences from OPUS pilot programs at three RPOs (Nova University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, and University of Rijeka) and two RFOs (UEFISCDI in Romania and the Research Council of Lithuania). These pilots, running from January 2024 to June 2025, assess the effectiveness of new metrics and methodologies.

4. Interventions for Open Science Adoption
OPUS has created a series of interventions, including policy changes, resource allocation, repository development, awareness campaigns, and training programs. The impact of these initiatives on fostering Open Science cultures will be evaluated within pilot organisations.

5. Current Progress & Future Steps
As OPUS nears its conclusion in August 2025, the conference will offer insights into the ongoing implementation of Open Science reforms, the development of updated Open Science indicators, and the creation of the Open Science Career Assessment Matrix (OS-CAM2). Policy briefs and recommendations aimed at integrating Open Science into mainstream research assessment practices will also be discussed.

This final conference provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders to engage in discussions about the future of research assessment and how to ensure the sustainability of Open Science initiatives in Europe and beyond.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event that will shape the future of research assessment!

Register here!

The OPUS project’s Mutual Learning exercises have become a vital component for fostering collaboration, innovation, and transformative change among participating research-performing organisations and research-funding organisations. Over the initial nine months of pilot operations, five organisations—three research-performing organisations (NOVA University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, University of Rijeka) and two research-funding organisations (Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding of Romania and the Research Council of Lithuania)—embarked on a collective journey to test the Researcher Assessment Framework and its tailored interventions.

Understanding the Researcher Assessment Framework and Open Science

At the core of the OPUS project lies the Researcher Assessment Framework, a comprehensive framework designed to reform research assessment by recognising and rewarding researchers’ contributions to Open Science. The Researcher Assessment Framework is structured around categories such as research, education, leadership, and valorisation, each encompassing specific indicators supported by tailored interventions. These interventions range from policy amendments to resource allocation, training, and awareness campaigns. The primary objective is not only to assess researchers fairly but also to deeply embed Open Science principles into institutional cultures. By promoting practices like Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data management, open-access publishing, and citizen science, the Researcher Assessment Framework aligns with global and European Open Science standards.

Lessons Learnt After Nine Months of Pilot Activities and Best Practices in Open Science Implementation

As institutions and organisations strive to adopt OS principles, valuable insights have emerged from recent pilot programmes. This article highlights key lessons learnt and best practices for both Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) in their journey towards implementing Open Science.

Planning Phase

For Research Performing Organisations (RPOs)

Securing Leadership Support
Early involvement of university leadership is essential for gaining trust and buy-in from researchers. Clear communication about the benefits and professional development opportunities encourages participation and helps overcome scepticism towards Open Science

Leveraging Internal Expertise
Utilising internal expertise, such as librarians who understand OS and have experience working with researchers, can be invaluable in overcoming resistance to change

Effective Coordination
Clear definition of roles and responsibilities among all actors is key to ensuring smooth progress of the action plan. Prioritising high-impact interventions within available resources is crucial for success

Communication and Engagement
Transparent communication builds trust and facilitates successful engagement. Careful planning of meetings, considering researchers’ schedules, enhances participation. Allocating sufficient time to explain the complexity of the Research Assessment Framework (RAF) is essential for ensuring understanding.

For Research Funding Organisations (RFOs)

Securing Approval for OS Practices
Aligning institutional and national policies with evolving OS requirements can be challenging. Gaining management support requires clear articulation of the strategic importance and benefits of implementing OS practices

Creating Dedicated Task Forces
Bringing together diverse expertise and ensuring continuity by creating dedicated task forces or working groups facilitates the integration of OS principles in funding instruments

Leveraging Existing Expertise
Utilising existing OS expertise within the institution is essential for raising awareness and promoting a shift towards Open Science practices. Collaboration with external experts or recognised European initiatives can also facilitate awareness-raising and capacity-building efforts

Developing and Monitoring Action Plans
Careful selection of interventions and funding programmes ensures alignment with institutional priorities and reduces risks related to implementation delays. Flexibility in the Action Plan to adjust for unforeseen challenges is crucial.

Implementation Phase

For Research Performing Organisations (RPOs)

Policy Development and Alignment
Developing and aligning policies across diverse disciplines is critical. Gaining leadership support and involving all stakeholders early in the pilot and policy-related activities secures broader engagement and legitimacy.

Capacity Consolidation
Leveraging existing expertise through dedicated support centres optimises internal resources. Establishing OS support centres provides training, workshops, and guidance to address limited expertise and financial resources.

Centralising Data Management
Implementing centralised data management systems streamlines data storage and retrieval. Regular updates of Current Research Information Systems (CRIS) and profiles are vital for monitoring OS indicators.

Building Awareness and Sustaining Engagement
A multifaceted approach to raising awareness and providing continuous support is essential. Sharing success stories, piloting small-scale OS initiatives, and actively involving influential figures can help overcome resistance to policy changes.

Streamlining OS Training
Offering short, focused sessions and providing post-workshop support helps researchers stay connected to OS activities while managing other responsibilities. Interactive, role-play-based sessions can make training more engaging and address practical concerns.

For Research Funding Organisations (RFOs)

Implementing OS Indicators
Implementing OS indicators throughout the lifecycle of funding programmes requires a deep understanding of how these indicators affect various phases. Collaboration between programme management, IT teams, and OS experts is crucial

Upskilling Staff
Regularly upskilling staff and providing access to international best practices ensures successful implementation of OS requirements within funding programmes

Updating Internal Processes
Updating internal processes and platforms to accommodate new OS indicators requires both technical updates and timely approval processes. Sufficient time for awareness-raising among staff and decision-makers is necessary

Strengthening Researcher Engagement
Early communication and outreach efforts inform researchers and staff about the benefits of OS. Holding information sessions, inviting external experts, and showcasing successful practices increases interest and participation

Creating Tailored Training and Guidance
Developing tailored training materials and guidance on OS principles is crucial for success. Leveraging established best practices and making resources flexible and user-friendly ensures effective participation from various stakeholders

By implementing these lessons learnt and best practices, both RPOs and RFOs can navigate the complexities of Open Science implementation more effectively, fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and innovation in research.

The Broader Impact of Mutual Learning

The Mutual Learning exercises fostered trust, collaboration, and shared understanding among pilot organisations. They provided a platform for exchanging practical solutions and highlighted the value of flexibility in addressing real-time challenges. At a broader level, the Mutual Learning sessions demonstrated the potential of Open Science practices to transform research cultures, enhance transparency, and foster collaboration. The first nine months of the OPUS pilots have set a strong foundation for advancing Open Science through the Researcher Assessment Framework. By leveraging the insights gained from Mutual Learning exercises, the participating organisations have not only enriched their institutional practices but also contributed to a global dialogue on sustainable and inclusive research assessment. The journey continues, with lesslearntrned serving as a beacon for others to follow.

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is leading a transformative shift in European research culture, fostering the widespread adoption of Open Science (OS). Central to this initiative is the Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), designed to evaluate researchers’ contributions while embedding OS practices into research processes. Participating Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) have developed tailored action plans to test and refine the RAF, creating a framework that incentivises openness and collaboration in research.

This blog explores how these tailored plans are driving OS adoption, detailing the unique strategies, interventions, and innovations employed by each participating institution.

Tailoring Action Plans for Open Science

The action plans follow a shared structure but are customised to address the unique contexts and priorities of each organisation. These plans encompass:

1. Scope and Cohort Selection
   RPOs often target specific groups, such as early-career researchers, while RFOs select cohorts through project calls. This allows interventions to be focused and impactful, addressing the needs of key stakeholder groups.
2. Indicator Selection
   Institutions select RAF indicators that align with their strategic goals. These may include open-access publishing, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data management, and public engagement.
3. Intervention Categories
   Action plans include diverse strategies, such as creating new policies, providing resources, managing repositories, raising awareness, and conducting training sessions. Each intervention is designed to address systemic challenges and foster OS practices.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
   Plans include detailed timelines and milestones, typically set at 9 and 18 months, with mechanisms for assessing progress and adapting strategies based on interim results.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
   By involving researchers, institutional leaders, and library staff, the action plans ensure that interventions are holistic and address the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities in OS adoption.

Pilots Approaches to Driving Open Science

Each institution participating in OPUS has developed a tailored action plan to address its unique challenges and priorities. 

Nova University of Lisbon (UNL): Empowering Early-Career Researchers

At Nova University of Lisbon (UNL), the action plan is centred around early-career researchers, targeting open-access publishing, FAIR data management, and citizen science engagement. Recognising the importance of institutional policies and researcher support, UNL has developed an ambitious framework for OS adoption.

• Policy Interventions
  UNL has created interim OS guidelines, which will be formalised into a comprehensive OS policy by the project’s end. The policy will align internal procedures with best practices for dataset publication, ensuring researchers have clear guidance.
• Resource Allocation
  Dedicated library staff provide direct support for OS queries, covering areas such as open-access publishing and data management. This ensures researchers have access to the expertise needed for successful OS implementation.
• Repository Management
  UNL promotes the use of repositories like Zenodo for data deposition, training researchers to effectively use these platforms. By Month 18, full engagement with Zenodo is expected, ensuring long-term accessibility of research outputs.
• Training and Awareness
  Hands-on workshops and awareness sessions cover essential topics, including data management, rights retention, and Creative Commons licensing. These sessions equip researchers with the practical skills to adopt OS practices effectively.

University of Cyprus (UCY): Advancing Data Transparency

The University of Cyprus (UCY) integrates OS into the activities of its KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence. The focus is on enhancing data transparency, open peer review, and capacity building for early-career researchers.

• Policy Enhancements
  UCY has established a KIOS Open Science Committee to oversee interventions, including updates to career development plans and introducing OS awards. This ensures OS is embedded in institutional processes.
• Open Science Champions
  Two champions have been appointed to promote OS practices, support researchers, and conduct training sessions. These champions serve as vital resources for navigating OS adoption challenges.
• Repository Engagement
  Researchers are trained to use platforms like Zenodo, GitHub, and GNOSIS for sharing research outputs. By Month 18, these repositories will be fully integrated into institutional workflows, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
• Training and Communication
  UCY’s comprehensive training programme includes seminars on OS policies, tools, and repositories, alongside workshops on creating OS-focused CVs. Awareness campaigns leverage newsletters, podcasts, and events to engage the research community.

University of Rijeka (UNIRI): Bridging Academia and the Public

UNIRI takes a distinctive approach by focusing on public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s action plan targets early-career researchers and doctoral students, fostering a culture of openness and community involvement.

• Policy Foundations
  UNIRI’s Rulebook on Scientific, Artistic, and Innovation Activities includes OS elements, providing a strategic framework for research assessment and OS integration.
• Support and Resources
  The Centre for Open Science and Scientific Information Management (COZ) serves as a central hub, offering training and support for OS practices. The EduDoc platform specifically addresses the needs of early-career researchers.
• Awareness and Engagement
  Open Science Cafés and workshops bring researchers and the public together to discuss OS topics. These initiatives encourage dialogue and build researchers’ communication skills.
• Training for Early-Career Researchers
  Training sessions cover the entire research publication lifecycle, from writing to evaluation. By providing practical tools and guidance, UNIRI equips researchers to adopt OS practices confidently.

UEFISCDI (Romania): Integrating Open Science into Funding

As a research funding organisation, UEFISCDI supports the inclusion of OS principles within funding mechanisms. Its action plan emphasises data management, policy alignment, and community engagement.

• Policy Integration – FAIR Data Management Plans (DMPs) are now required in for the successful projects in a specific funding instrument (Centres of Excellence), with plans to extend this requirement to other funding instruments.
• Support Structures – Dedicated DMP contact points and templates guide researchers in implementing FAIR-compliant practices. Training sessions ensure researchers understand the benefits and requirements of DMPs.
• Awareness Campaigns – Webinars, national events, and guidance through the National Open Science Portal and the National OS Community (part of a broader R&I community – BrainMap promote OS principles and highlight success stories, fostering a shift in research culture.

Research Council of Lithuania (RCL): Incentivising Open Science

The Research Council of Lithuania is redefining grant evaluation by introducing OS indicators. Its action plan focuses on providing researchers with the tools, training, and incentives needed to adopt OS practices.

• Policy and Templates
  RCL develops FAIR-compliant DMP templates and publishes best practices on its website. This ensures researchers have clear guidelines for data management. RCL has developed FAIR-compliant DMP templates and published best practices on its website. This ensures researchers have clear guidelines for data management.
• Financial Support
  Funds for open-access publishing and Article Processing Charges (APCs) incentivise researchers to make their work accessible. Creative Commons licensing is also promoted to enhance research visibility and reusability.
• Training and Awareness
  A “Train the Trainers” programme equips Principal Investigators with OS skills, enabling them to act as ambassadors within their institutions. Regular webinars and workshops address researchers’ concerns and build engagement.

Cross-Cutting Innovations

In addition to institution-specific plans, the OPUS project includes three cross-cutting interventions:

1. Gender Equality in Research Assessment
   Workshops and discussions ensure OS practices promote gender equality and inclusivity in research.
2. Building Trust in Open Science
   Using the Tree of Trust model, this intervention addresses trust-related issues to create a supportive OS ecosystem.
3. Connecting Academia and Industry
   Dialogue between researchers and industry leaders fosters collaboration and enhances the societal impact of OS practices.

Through tailored action plans, the OPUS project is creating a more open, collaborative, and impactful research landscape. By embedding OS principles into institutional policies, funding mechanisms, and researcher training, these initiatives provide a blueprint for transforming research culture across Europe. 

Learn more here.

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), in partnership with the Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project, Science Europe, the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), and the UNESCO Chair on Science and Innovation Policies, hosted the Rethinking Research Assessment conference on 14 November 2024. The event took place at the Central University Library Carol I in Bucharest and was also streamed online, providing accessibility to a broader audience.

The conference addressed the urgent need for innovation in research assessment systems, presenting a multifaceted approach that encompassed the perspectives of policymakers, researchers, and organisations. Amid significant global transformations in research assessment, the event highlighted core principles such as quality, transparency, and societal impact as alternatives to traditional metrics.

The event saw 101 participants engaging in meaningful dialogue, with the recording now available on YouTube. The conference marked a significant milestone for Romanian research, elevating awareness and fostering institutional-level discussions. These conversations are now focusing on actionable steps to be included in the CoARA Action Plan, which is under development. Furthermore, efforts are underway to extend the OPUS research organisation pilots’ requirements to other funding programmes, with strong potential to establish these measures as standard practice.

For the first time in Romania, research assessment was analysed through three distinct lenses:

• Policies for Research Assessment: Examining the evolution of policies to reflect the diverse values and goals of the contemporary academic landscape.
• Researchers on Research Assessment: Exploring researchers’ perspectives on current assessment practices and how these practices influence their careers and contributions.
• Use Cases on Research Assessment: Investigating how research organisations implement and adapt assessment frameworks, addressing challenges and aligning with global standards.

Key sessions discussed thoroughly policies, reforms, and institutional case studies, offering insights from prominent speakers such as Adrian Curaj (Director-General, UEFISCDI), Gareth O’Neill (Technopolis Group, OPUS Project), and Lidia Borell-Damian (Secretary-General, Science Europe). The event also featured contributions from organisations like the European Commission, CNRS, and NWO, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas and strategies.

On November 13, 2024, the OPUS project’s second Annual General Meeting brought together research institutions and funding organisations from across Europe for a second day of discussion and learning in Bucharest, Romania. The focus of the day was the Mutual Learning Session, an integral part of OPUS’s mission to embed Open Science (OS) practices within research-performing organisations (RPOs) and research-funding organisations (RFOs).

This day-long session, a key feature of the Work Package 4 agenda, examined the progress made during the first phase of implementing tailored action plans. It also provided an opportunity for participating organisations to share insights about the Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), and foster collaboration aimed at transforming research culture across Europe.

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A Collaborative Approach to Research Assessment Reform

The Mutual Learning session served as a platform for project partners to reflect on nine months of pilot implementation. Five organisations, three RPOs (Nova University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, University of Rijeka) and two RFOs (Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding of Romania, and the Research Council of Lithuania) shared their experiences of testing the RAF and implementing tailored interventions to incentivise OS adoption. These exchanges provided valuable lessons, actionable strategies, and a shared sense of purpose for advancing research evaluation reform.

Understanding the Researcher Assessment Framework

At the core of the OPUS initiative lies the Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), a transformative model designed to reward researchers for their contributions to Open Science. The framework integrates categories such as research, education, leadership, and valorisation, with specific indicators promoting OS practices. These include open-access publishing, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data management, and citizen science. Tailored interventions, ranging from policy updates and resource allocation to training and awareness campaigns, help institutions align with global and European OS standards.

The RAF is not only a tool for assessment but also a vehicle for cultural change, embedding OS practices into the operational and strategic fabric of research organisations.

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Lessons Learnt: The First Nine Months of Implementation

Over the initial nine months, participating organisations encountered challenges and successes that shaped their approach to OS implementation. The following lessons emerged as central themes during the Mutual Learning session:

1. The Importance of Leadership and Institutional Alignment

Leadership buy-in emerged as a critical factor in fostering trust and adoption of OS practices. When senior management visibly supports OS initiatives, it legitimises these efforts and encourages wider participation among researchers. Aligning institutional goals with OS principles ensures the sustainability of these practices.

2. Overcoming Cultural Resistance

Internal scepticism about OS was a recurring challenge. Institutions found success in addressing resistance through transparent communication, showcasing success stories, and leveraging internal champions such as librarians. By highlighting the tangible benefits of OS—such as increased research visibility and collaboration—institutions gained broader support.

3. Tailored and Contextualised Interventions

Recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, each institution tailored its interventions to its unique context. Engaging researchers early in the planning stages fostered ownership and commitment, ensuring interventions were both practical and impactful.

4. Leveraging Peer Collaboration

Mutual Learning sessions offered an invaluable opportunity for institutions to share strategies and adapt successful interventions from others. This peer-to-peer exchange enriched understanding and facilitated cross-institutional innovation.

5. Strategic Resource Allocation

Institutions acknowledged the need for dedicated support structures and alternative funding mechanisms to sustain OS initiatives. Creating specialised Open Science offices or allocating funds specifically for OS activities proved effective.

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Contributions from Participating Organisations

Nova University of Lisbon: Pioneering Open Science Practices

Nova University of Lisbon prioritised early-career researchers, introducing comprehensive OS policies, training programmes, and repository management systems. Their interventions included an internal Open Science guide and leveraging librarians as OS champions to provide tailored support.

• Impact: By equipping researchers with the tools and skills for OS, Nova University established a robust institutional framework that enhances national OS efforts.

University of Cyprus: Integrating Open Science into Research Excellence

At the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence, the University of Cyprus implemented RAF indicators targeting data management, open peer review, and repository use. Open Science champions were appointed to mentor researchers, supported by institutional repository enhancements.

• Impact: The university created a supportive OS ecosystem that positions it as a leader in national OS adoption.

University of Rijeka: Bridging Academia and the Public

The University of Rijeka focused on public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Initiatives such as the EduDoc platform and Open Science Cafés brought researchers and the wider community together, fostering a culture of openness and dialogue.

• Impact: These efforts strengthened institutional commitment to OS and expanded its reach to the broader public.

Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding of Romania

This funding organisation integrated FAIR data principles into its instruments, creating tailored Data Management Plan templates and exploring OS integration in funding programmes.

• Impact: The agency provided a model for scaling OS practices across funding mechanisms, influencing both national and European policy.

Research Council of Lithuania: Adapting to Challenges

Despite initial delays, the Research Council of Lithuania revised its action plan to include OS indicators in grant evaluations. Training principal investigators and engaging stakeholders through workshops enhanced researcher buy-in.

• Impact: By demonstrating adaptability and focus, the council underscored the importance of flexibility in piloting new initiatives.