Research Council Lithuania

• April 17, 2025

The Research Council of Lithuania faced delays in its initial call for projects but adapted by revising its action plan and creating an Advisory Board. The council focused on training principal investigators, implementing Open Science indicators in grant evaluations, and enhancing researcher engagement.

Impact: The Research Council of Lithuania’s adaptability highlighted the importance of flexibility in piloting new initiatives.

Best Practices and Solutions for Researcher Assessment Framework Indicators and Interventions

• Policy Development: Create internal Open Science guides and involve researchers in policy approval processes.
• Resource Allocation: Establish dedicated Open Science support centres and leverage existing expertise.
• Awareness and Training: Organise Open Science Cafés and interactive workshops to build a community of practice.
• Data Management and Repositories: Centralise research outputs using Current Research Information Systems and adopt external repositories to reduce costs.
• Engagement and Collaboration: Use Mutual Learning sessions to share practical solutions and highlight success stories.
• Research Council of Lithuania introduced an Open Science Ambassadors initiative, aiming to institutionalise OS leadership by June from their existing cohort members.

The Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) has been actively advancing its OPUS pilot programme, focusing on three core areas: research, education, and valorisation. Since the last mutual learning meeting in Bucharest, the Council has made significant progress in fostering Open Science practices across Lithuanian research institutions.

Structure and Cohort Engagement
The pilot involves a cohort of 23 principal investigators (PIs) selected through a single call, representing six research institutions in Lithuania. To enhance coordination and impact, RCL established an Advisory Board comprising four members, including the Executive Director, whose high-level involvement has proven instrumental despite not being initially planned. Monthly meetings with the cohort have been pivotal in maintaining engagement among researchers from diverse scientific fields. Setting the full calendar of meetings at the start of the year has ensured consistent participation.

Indicators and Progress
The pilot is testing specific OPUS indicators across three categories:
Research
Data Management Plans (DMPs): Embedded into the application process, applicants are required to submit DMPs if their projects involve data usage. However, these plans are rarely evaluated—a gap RCL aims to address by introducing guidance and templates by May. Selected DMPs will also be made public as examples of good practice.
Open Access Publications: Articles are being collected for evaluation, with openness assessments scheduled by May.

Education
Open Science Skills Certificates: A “training of trainers” workshop was conducted for cohort members and Advisory Board participants. These trained researchers are now expected to deliver sessions within their institutions using provided materials.
Open Science Courses: Approximately 81% of institutions have already begun offering training on Open Science practices, covering topics such as open access, policy landscapes, and citizen science. Practical workshops have encouraged researchers to envision Open Science in Lithuania by 2030.

Valorisation
Sharing Open Science Knowledge: Researchers are documenting institutional training sessions informally through photos and participation numbers while tagging RCL and OPUS on social media—a flexible approach welcomed by participants.

Achievements and Future Goals
The pilot has fostered significant dialogue between funding organisations and research-performing institutions. Initially, researchers expressed frustration over issues such as open access requirements and funding constraints. However, constructive discussions have since emerged, leading to greater engagement in policy development.
One notable outcome is the anticipated training impact: by May 31, up to 5,285 individuals may have received training within Lithuanian institutions—a remarkable achievement if realised. Additionally, cohort members participated in the Inside Trust Barometer survey, sparking valuable conversations about trust in Open Science despite challenging results.

Sustaining Momentum Beyond OPUS
RCL is developing a programme for Open Science Ambassadors to be announced in June, ensuring continued engagement beyond the pilot’s conclusion. The Advisory Board’s involvement has embedded Open Science practices into institutional frameworks, with outcomes feeding directly into new projects at RCL.

Citizen science remains an area for growth; many researchers were unfamiliar with effective public engagement strategies—a challenge that RCL views as an exciting opportunity for development.
In summary, the OPUS pilot has catalysed transformative change within Lithuania’s research landscape. By addressing gaps in data management evaluation, expanding training programmes, and fostering constructive dialogue among stakeholders, RCL is laying the groundwork for sustained progress in Open Science practices across the nation.