The State of Open Science at the University of Rijeka

• September 26, 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. The framework aims to recognise the wide diversity of activities by researchers and incentivise and reward Open Science.

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

The State of Open Science at the University of Rijeka: Innovation and Collaboration at the Heart of the Academic Community

Open science has become a key priority at the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), establishing a strong foundation for transparency and accessibility of scientific research. The university aligned itself with European trends by adopting the European Open Science Declaration in 2019, committing to the principle that research funded by public sources should be publicly accessible. This has positioned UNIRI as a leader in open science in Croatia, focusing on increasing the visibility and impact of its researchers.

Since 2021, the university has formalised its open science policy, outlining specific actions and responsibilities for its implementation. In this context, UNIRI has connected its strategy with numerous European initiatives, including its involvement in the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance. Five of the nine research groups within the YUFE alliance come from the University of Rijeka, further confirming the university’s commitment to open science.

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The Centre for Open Science and the University Library

The university has made significant progress through the development of the Centre for Open Science (OPUS) within the University Library, aimed at promoting, popularising, and implementing open science. OPUS is integrated into UNIRI’s strategy, providing support to researchers through educational programmes, repository management, and collaboration with other institutions. The University Library, along with individual faculties, actively maintains specific repositories and conducts the selection of quality scientific journals, further encouraging open access publication and enhancing the visibility of scientific papers.

A particular emphasis is placed on avoiding predatory journals, with educational programmes helping researchers understand the benefits of using open tools such as Google Scholar, ORCID, and Research ID. These activities aim to centralise and simplify researchers’ access to information, helping them navigate the modern scientific landscape more effectively.

National and International Collaboration

The University of Rijeka is an active participant in national initiatives such as the Croatian node of the Research Data Alliance and the Croatian Open Science Cloud. Through collaboration with national bodies, UNIRI contributes to the development and alignment of research policies with European standards. These efforts are focused on creating a structured environment where goals are clearly defined, and individuals and organisations are supported in the implementation of open science.

Participation in European projects, such as the YUFE alliance, allows the university to exchange best practices with partners from other countries, solve similar challenges, and improve its research activities. This exchange of experiences enables better integration of UNIRI into the European research space and strengthens its capacity for innovation and collaboration.

Young Researchers: Drivers of Future Trends

Young researchers have been recognised as key stakeholders in the implementation of open science. Their willingness to embrace new trends and their long-term presence within the scientific system make them the drivers of future development. The University of Rijeka, together with its Faculty of Law and the doctoral school, actively engages young researchers in projects, providing them with the necessary resources and support.

These efforts ensure that the university remains at the forefront of open science initiatives, while young scientists gain valuable experience that will guide them throughout their careers. Collaboration with experts from various disciplines, as well as involvement in national and international projects, provides them with opportunities to develop skills that will help them make an impact on the global scientific stage.

Continuous Commitment to Open Science

The University of Rijeka shows continuous commitment to open science through the development of infrastructure, education, and international cooperation. These efforts not only increase the visibility of researchers but also contribute to creating an inclusive and sustainable research environment. With the support of young researchers, the university is laying the groundwork for the future of science, where knowledge sharing and collaboration are key to innovation and progress.

By integrating with national and international initiatives, the University of Rijeka remains dedicated to its mission of advancing open science and contributing to global scientific progress.