UEFISCDI’s Role in Advancing Open Science in Romania

• October 2, 2024

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) is playing a key role in promoting and implementing open science practices in Romania. As a key participant in the Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project, UEFISCDI is one of the pilot organisations testing new frameworks for assessing research, with the goal of encouraging and rewarding researchers for embracing open science principles. As Romania’s main funder of competitive research, UEFISCDI is well-positioned to drive these changes.

Shaping Open Science Policy and Strategy

Since 2018, UEFISCDI has led the creation of Romania’s Open Science Knowledge Hub, a central resource aimed at promoting and guiding open science across the country. The agency has played a crucial part in coordinating the National Open Science Strategic Framework and providing policy recommendations, which have been integrated into Romania’s National Strategy on Research, Innovation, and Smart Specialisation (2022–2027). In addition, UEFISCDI’s proposals to support open science were included in the National Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation, which is the primary tool for implementing the broader strategy.

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Raising Awareness and Building Capacity

To support the transition to open science, UEFISCDI has developed various guidance documents on key topics like citizen science, open access publishing, and research data management in line with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). These resources are available on both the national open science portal and UEFISCDI’s website. In December 2022, the agency launched a dedicated open science portal and created an open science community on its BrainMap platform.

UEFISCDI is also actively working to raise awareness and build capacity for open science across the research community. It regularly organises national webinars and events, engaging a broad range of stakeholders to promote best practices in open science and foster collaboration within Romania’s research ecosystem.

Collaborating with European and International Initiatives

UEFISCDI’s efforts are supported by its involvement in various European and international initiatives. The agency is part of OpenAIRE, the Research Data Alliance (RDA), and serves as an observer in the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN). UEFISCDI also collaborates with Science Europe, UNESCO, and COARA on policies related to open science and innovation. These international partnerships offer valuable opportunities for sharing knowledge and developing policies that are aligned with European and global standards.

Supporting Open Science Through OPUS and Other Projects

As part of the OPUS project, UEFISCDI is testing new research assessment criteria within its funding programmes. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory data management plans for funded projects, which must follow the FAIR principles. This is a first for Romania, marking a major step toward integrating open science into research funding processes.

While introducing these new criteria has posed some challenges at the institutional level, UEFISCDI is working through these obstacles with the support of the OPUS project and other European-funded initiatives focused on open science. These efforts are helping to foster a more open and transparent research culture in Romania.

Advancing Open Science in Romania: From Shaping National Policy to Implementing New Practices 

UEFISCDI is at the forefront of advancing open science in Romania, from shaping national policy to implementing new practices through projects like OPUS. By promoting collaboration, raising awareness, and building capacity, UEFISCDI is transforming the Romanian research landscape and driving progress towards greater openness and innovation. Through its continued efforts, the agency is helping ensure that Romania stays aligned with European and global developments in open science.