The State of Open Science at Nova University

• September 27, 2024

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is at the forefront of reshaping how research and researchers are evaluated, focusing on developing and testing innovative indicators and strategies. This initiative, dedicated to promoting open science practices, brings together three Research Performing Organisations (RPOs)—Nova University Lisbon, the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), and the University of Cyprus—along with two Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) from Lithuania and Romania (RCL and UEFISCDI). Through pilot programmes, these institutions collaborate, gain insights from external experts, and participate in shared learning experiences to improve their methodologies.

The central aim of OPUS is to establish a more inclusive  framework for assessing research, moving away from conventional metrics such as bibliometrics and journal impact factors. The framework aims to recognise the wide diversity of activities by researchers and incentivise and reward Open Science.

Let’s explore how the NOVA University is contributing to this transformation.

The State of Open Science at Nova University: Transparent and Responsible Research Practices

Nova University is steadfastly committed to advancing scientific research and disseminating knowledge for the benefit of society. At Nova, this vision is closely tied to a strong dedication to the principles of open science. The university recognises that science can only truly advance through the adoption of open, transparent, reproducible, and responsible research practices.

Commitment to Open Science and Institutional Alignment

Nova University is fully dedicated to implementing open science principles and aligning its institutional policies with the national policy established by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This national policy is currently under revision and is expected to be released soon. In anticipation, Nova is working on synchronising its own open science policy document with these updated national guidelines.

In order to facilitate this transition, Nova University is preparing an Open Science Guide, designed to provide clear guidelines to researchers and address the main questions they may have. This guide will not only reflect national principles but also align with international standards, including the recommendations from UNESCO, the European Commission, Science Europe, and other relevant bodies. Nova’s participation in international networks such as YERUN further enhances its integration of open science practices.

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Longstanding Commitment to Open Access

Nova University has been promoting open science for over a decade. One of its earliest initiatives was the integration of a national repository network, managed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). For many years, Nova’s own repository has been mandatory for the deposit of open access publications, including master’s and PhD theses.

Nearly eight years ago, Nova implemented a direct connector between its Current Research Information System (CRIS) “PURE” and the national repository. This strategic move has significantly increased the number of open access publications deposited, streamlining the process for researchers who only need to deposit their work once. Currently, nearly two-thirds of all Nova University publications are available as open access, ranking the university among the top Portuguese institutions in terms of open access output.

Data and Software Sharing

Nova University has also embraced open science practices in relation to research data and software. Researchers are encouraged to use platforms like Zenodo for dataset sharing and GitHub for software, in accordance with national guidelines promoted by FCT. This ensures that research outputs beyond publications are also made widely accessible, further strengthening Nova’s commitment to transparency and open collaboration.

Transformative Agreements and Open Science Policy

Nova University supports open access through transformative agreements with leading publishers. These agreements allow researchers to publish in open access journals either at a discounted rate or in hybrid journals at no additional cost. Such initiatives have made open science more accessible for the academic community, further reinforcing Nova’s role as a leader in this area.

The university is now entering a phase of policy consolidation, with the aim of releasing a comprehensive open science policy document and accompanying guide. This guide will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, providing clear explanations of the main concepts, principles, and practices associated with open science. It will also offer examples of useful tools and centralise the most relevant information into a single, user-friendly document accessible at any time.

Integration of Ethics, Integrity, and Open Science

At Nova University, open science principles are deeply integrated into research practices and institutional policies, ensuring that ethics and research integrity remain at the forefront of all scientific endeavours. These values are reflected in the regulations used to assess researcher performance, where open science compliance is becoming a key factor.

A more transparent, responsible, and collaborative research environment

Nova University’s commitment to open science is clear and unwavering. Through strategic initiatives, policy alignment, and a strong infrastructure for open access, Nova is looking forward to a more transparent, responsible, and collaborative research environment. The forthcoming open science policy document and guide will further support the research community, helping them navigate the complexities of open science and ensuring that Nova remains at the cutting edge of global scientific progress.

With the release of its comprehensive open science guide and continued focus on ethical and responsible research, Nova University will continue to lead by example, promoting open science as a key driver of innovation and societal benefit.