Transforming Research Assessment: The OPUS Project and Open Science in Europe

Transforming Research Assessment: The OPUS Project and Open Science in Europe 1024 487 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is working to reshape how research and researchers are assessed by developing and testing new indicators and methods. This initiative focuses on promoting open science practices across Europe and involves 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 these pilot programmes, the institutions are collaborating with external experts, engaging in shared learning, and refining their approaches. The goal is to create a more inclusive and comprehensive research assessment framework that moves beyond traditional metrics like bibliometrics and journal impact factors, recognising a wider range of contributions to open science.

University of Rijeka: Supporting Transparency and Collaboration

At the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), open science is a key focus, aimed at promoting transparency and accessibility in scientific research. Since adopting the European Open Science Declaration in 2019, the university has committed to ensuring that publicly funded research is publicly available. By 2021, UNIRI formalised its open science policy, outlining specific steps for implementation. The university’s involvement in European initiatives, such as the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance, further underscores its commitment to open science, with five of YUFE’s nine research groups coming from Rijeka.

The university has made significant progress through its Centre for Open Science, which is part of the University Library. The centre provides researchers with educational programmes, manages repositories, and collaborates with national and international partners. A focus on avoiding predatory journals and offering training on tools like Google Scholar, ORCID, and Research ID helps researchers navigate the scientific landscape more effectively.

Young researchers are seen as key players in promoting open science at UNIRI. The university offers resources and opportunities to ensure they have the support needed to engage in national and international projects, helping them gain valuable experience for their future careers.

Nova University Lisbon: Encouraging Responsible and Transparent Research

Nova University Lisbon has long been committed to advancing scientific research that benefits society. Open science is viewed as essential for ensuring that research remains transparent, reproducible, and responsible. The university is currently aligning its policies with evolving national guidelines set by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), anticipating the release of an updated open science policy.

To help researchers transition to open science, Nova is preparing an Open Science Guide. This guide will include practical advice based on recommendations from UNESCO, the European Commission, and Science Europe. Nova’s involvement in international networks such as YERUN further supports its efforts to integrate open science into its research practices.

For over a decade, Nova has been promoting open access, with two-thirds of its publications freely available. Its repository, connected to the national system, streamlines the process for researchers, allowing them to deposit their work once while ensuring broad access. Nova also encourages open data and software sharing through platforms like Zenodo and GitHub, reinforcing its commitment to open collaboration.

As the university consolidates its open science policies, it aims to release a comprehensive guide and policy document that will support researchers in navigating the challenges of open science.

University of Cyprus: Promoting Engagement, Transparency, and Reproducibility

Open science is central to the mission of the University of Cyprus, which prioritises transparency and collaboration in research. Although the university’s open science policy is voluntary, it encourages participation, with over 60% of its publications available through open access. To further support open science, the University of Cyprus offers funding for open access publications and data management.

A major focus for the university is improving research reproducibility. Through seminars, researchers receive training on tools and methods to ensure their work can be replicated—an essential aspect of quality research. The university also places importance on citizen engagement, involving the public in research to make it more transparent and impactful.

The University of Cyprus plans to further integrate open science principles into its policies and practices. Although the university acknowledges it is still in the early stages, it is making progress through initiatives like the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and COARA National Chapter, which support its open science efforts.

UEFISCDI: Advancing Open Science in Romania

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) is an important force behind the adoption of open science practices in Romania. As one of the OPUS project’s pilot organisations, UEFISCDI is testing new research assessment frameworks to encourage and reward researchers for embracing open science. As the main funder of competitive research in Romania, UEFISCDI plays a key role in shaping national policy and promoting open science.

Since 2018, UEFISCDI has led the development of Romania’s Open Science Knowledge Hub, providing resources to guide researchers in open science practices. The agency has been involved in coordinating Romania’s National Open Science Strategic Framework and has contributed to the National Strategy on Research, Innovation, and Smart Specialisation (2022–2027). UEFISCDI has also created guidance on topics like citizen science, open access publishing, and data management.

The agency’s involvement in European and international initiatives, such as OpenAIRE and the Research Data Alliance, strengthens its ability to align Romania’s policies with broader European standards. Through the OPUS project, UEFISCDI has introduced mandatory data management plans for funded projects, representing a shift towards integrating open science into research funding processes.

Working Together to Build More Inclusive and Transparent Research Environments

The OPUS project is shaping a new approach to research assessment by encouraging open science practices. Universities like Rijeka, Nova, and Cyprus, along with research funding organisations like UEFISCDI, are working together to build more inclusive and transparent research environments. By supporting collaboration, refining policies, and raising awareness, these institutions are helping to advance the role of open science in driving meaningful progress in the academic world.

Photo credit: Stratfor/Getty Images

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