How OPUS Pilot Organisations are Transforming Research Through Tailored Action Plans for Open Science

• December 19, 2024

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.