OPUS Project: Research Assessment Reforms Across Europe

• September 18, 2024

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is leading the way in transforming research and researcher assessment by developing and testing new indicators and interventions. This initiative, aimed at fostering open science practices, has engaged three Research Performing Organisations (RPOs)—Nova University Lisbon, the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), and the University of Cyprus—and two Research Funding Organizations (RFOs) from Lithuania and Romania (RCL and UEFISCDI). Through these pilots, the organisations are collaborating, learning from external experts, and engaging in mutual learning exercises to refine their approaches.

The key goal of OPUS is to create a more inclusive and comprehensive research assessment framework that moves beyond traditional metrics like bibliometrics and journal impact factors. Instead, it aims to reward open science practices, interdisciplinary research, and broader societal impacts.

Let’s explore how these pilot institutions are contributing to this transformation.

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University of Rijeka (UNIRI): Strengthening Research Assessment Practices

As one of the OPUS Project pilots, the University of Rijeka (UNIRI) is taking significant steps to refine its research assessment practices. With the implementation of OPUS’s Research Assessment Framework (RAF), UNIRI has introduced a set of innovative indicators and interventions designed to encourage and reward open science practices.

Achievements at UNIRI:

• Innovative Assessment Practices: The university has adopted new assessment methods that align with open science principles, promoting transparency and collaboration among researchers.
• Enhanced Collaboration: The RAF has fostered greater interdisciplinary collaboration, leading to more comprehensive research outputs and stronger partnerships.

UNIRI’s participation in the OPUS project highlights its commitment to a progressive and inclusive research environment. 

See more: UNIRI Video Interview

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Nova University Lisbon: Research Assessment Reform

 As an early signatory of international agreements on research assessment reform, Nova University is actively reshaping its evaluation processes to reflect the changing landscape of scientific research.

Key Initiatives at Nova University:

• Research Impact Narratives Challenge: This initiative encourages researchers to articulate the societal impact of their work, moving beyond traditional metrics and highlighting the real-world value of their research.
• International Standards Alignment: Nova University has revised its research performance evaluation policies to align with responsible research assessment principles, ensuring a more holistic and inclusive approach.

The university is also actively pursuing the HR Excellence in Research Award, which further underscores its commitment to improving research assessment practices and aligning them with European Commission guidelines. 

See more: Nova University Video Interview

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University of Cyprus: Advancing Open Science and Research Assessment

Through its participation in OPUS, the University of Cyprus is making significant strides in enhancing research assessment and promoting open science. The university has committed to reform by signing key declarations like DORA and COARA, ensuring that its research assessments align with the latest open science principles.

Key Strengths at the University of Cyprus:

• Balanced Evaluation Methods: The university’s research assessments incorporate both quantitative and qualitative metrics, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process that reflects diverse research outputs.
• Open Science Integration: The introduction of OPUS’s RAF has helped the university to clearly map out actions that will further embed open science practices into its research ecosystem.

Despite challenges, such as the need for better recognition of peer review contributions and locally relevant research, the University of Cyprus is committed to refining its processes and contributing to the broader research community’s understanding of open science assessment.

See more: University of Cyprus Video Interview

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UEFISCDI (Romania): Modernizing Research Assessment for Greater Impact

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) in Romania is playing a pivotal role in the modernization of research assessment through the OPUS project. As Romania’s main research funding body, UEFISCDI is introducing reforms that reward researchers for embracing open science.

Key Achievements at UEFISCDI:

• Advanced Digital Platforms: UEFISCDI has implemented platforms like Brainmap, which facilitates research collaboration and data management with over 60,000 registered accounts.
• Balancing Metrics: The agency is moving away from traditional impact factors and bibliometric-based assessments, focusing on more comprehensive metrics that account for societal contributions and open science practices.

UEFISCDI’s participation in OPUS has already influenced its funding calls, introducing new indicators in pilot programmes to promote excellence and openness. This aligns with the agency’s broader efforts in projects like GRASP-OS, further enhancing its leadership in research assessment reform.

See more: UEFISCDI Video Interview

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Leading the Change in Research Assessment

These pilot institutions, through their involvement in the OPUS project, are driving a fundamental shift in how research and researchers are assessed. By focusing on open science, societal impact, and responsible research practices, the OPUS project is helping to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking research environment across Europe.

The results from these pilots are being compiled into policy briefs and thematic workshops, which will help raise awareness, build trust, and promote the uptake of open science across the research community.