#OpenScience

In an age where the free flow of information is paramount, open access has emerged as a beacon of enlightenment and a catalyst for progress. The fundamental idea behind open access is to ensure that knowledge, once created, is accessible to all, regardless of geographical, social, or economic boundaries. This approach to disseminating information has gained significant momentum in recent years, and it is a path that we must tread if we are to foster a more equitable and informed global society.

Open access, in the context of scholarly research and academic literature, is the practice of making research papers, articles, and other scholarly works freely accessible to the public online. This paradigm shift in knowledge dissemination has been nothing short of revolutionary, and it brings with it several undeniable advantages.

First and foremost, open access democratises knowledge. In the traditional model, valuable research often remains behind paywalls, accessible only to those affiliated with institutions that can afford expensive journal subscriptions. This exclusivity obstructs the free exchange of ideas and leaves vast segments of society in the dark. Open access levels the playing field, granting access to anyone with an internet connection and a thirst for knowledge.

Furthermore, open access fosters collaboration and innovation. The rapid dissemination of research allows scholars and scientists to build upon the work of others more efficiently, accelerating the pace of discovery. When knowledge is freely available, it encourages interdisciplinary research and the cross-pollination of ideas. This is how breakthroughs happen – through the collective efforts of a global community.

The economic benefits of open access are also substantial. In the long term, open access reduces the financial burden on institutions, as they no longer need to invest exorbitant sums in journal subscriptions. Moreover, it enables startups and small companies to access the latest research findings, encouraging entrepreneurship and the development of new technologies. A well-informed society is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.

Open access also aligns with the principles of ethical and equitable research. It ensures that the results of research, which are often funded by taxpayers’ money, are accessible to those very taxpayers. The traditional publishing model, on the other hand, limits access to research findings, effectively putting a price tag on knowledge that should be a public good.

Critics of open access often raise concerns about quality control and sustainability. They argue that without traditional publishing models, the peer-review process might suffer, leading to the spread of low-quality or even false information. However, open access does not negate the need for peer review; it merely calls for alternative, open models of review. As the open access movement has gained momentum, reputable open-access journals with rigorous peer-review processes have emerged.

Moreover, the argument that open access is financially unsustainable is unfounded. The traditional subscription model may have provided reliable income to publishers, but it is unsustainable in the long run, with constantly rising costs. Open access can be financially sustainable through a combination of funding models, such as article processing charges and institutional support, without compromising the free availability of content.

In the grand scheme of things, there is no alternative to open access. It is the logical progression of a society that recognises the value of knowledge and seeks to make it available to all. The global pandemic has illustrated the importance of freely accessible research, as scientists rushed to share critical information on COVID-19, enabling swift vaccine development.

Open access is not merely an alternative; it is a necessity for the progression of science, the growth of knowledge, and the betterment of society as a whole. It is a beacon of hope in an increasingly interconnected world, where knowledge knows no boundaries. The path forward is clear: open access must be embraced, nurtured, and expanded for the benefit of all.

Photo via Davis High News (Mercury News)

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a curious boy named Oliver. Oliver was known for his insatiable curiosity, always asking questions about the world around him. One sunny morning, as he was playing in his garden, he discovered something extraordinary – a secret, hidden garden filled with unusual plants and animals.

But there was something even more magical about this garden. It was a “Science Garden.” In this garden, plants and animals could talk and share their knowledge. Oliver soon realized that the garden was a place where everyone practiced “Open Science.”

In the Science Garden, all the creatures, from the chatty squirrels to the singing flowers, openly shared their discoveries and findings with one another. They believed that sharing knowledge and working together was the key to making the garden thrive. Oliver was amazed by the way everyone helped each other, and he decided to learn more about their ways.

Oliver met Professor Wiggletail, a wise old rabbit who explained the importance of Open Science. Professor Wiggletail told him, “In our Science Garden, we share our discoveries with each other, and we grow and learn together. Open Science helps us understand our world better, and it brings us all closer.”

Oliver was excited and wanted to be part of this fantastic garden. He started sharing his own observations, just like the others. He noticed the flowers grew taller when they received more sunlight and that the squirrels found more food when they worked together.

As he shared his findings, something wonderful happened. The garden became even more colorful, vibrant, and full of life. New plants and creatures joined, attracted by the spirit of openness and learning.

One day, a friendly bird named Bella told Oliver, “You see, Open Science doesn’t just make our garden better. It can help the whole world. When we share what we learn, others can use our knowledge to make their gardens, forests, and oceans healthier, too.”

With that knowledge, Oliver realized the incredible power of Open Science. He shared his garden’s secrets with the people in his village, and they, too, started practicing Open Science in their gardens and homes. Soon, the entire village became a hub of learning, cooperation, and happiness.

From that day forward, Oliver’s village and the magical Science Garden were shining examples of how Open Science could make the world a better place, one discovery at a time. Oliver learned that the importance of Open Science wasn’t just about sharing knowledge but also about sharing kindness and working together for the greater good.

And so, the village of curious minds continued to grow, learn, and share, making the world a brighter, more colorful, and more connected place, just like Oliver’s beloved Science Garden.

Photo via Vecteezy

In today’s information age, data is often referred to as the new oil. The availability of vast quantities of data has revolutionized research, business, and decision-making across various fields. But what if you’re a researcher, student, or enthusiast looking for free and open data to support your projects? That’s where open access data comes into play. In this article, we will explore how to find and collect open access data, offering insights on where to look and how to make the most of this valuable resource.

What Is Open Access Data?

Open access data refers to datasets, databases, or collections of information that are freely available to the public, typically under open licenses. This means you can access, use, modify, and share these data without any legal or financial constraints, promoting transparency and innovation. Finding and collecting open access data can greatly enhance your research, analysis, or creative endeavors.

1. Government and Institutional Repositories

One of the primary sources for open access data is government and institutional repositories. Many government agencies, research institutions, and universities maintain digital libraries filled with valuable datasets. Examples include:

• Data.gov: A U.S. government initiative that offers access to a vast array of datasets, covering topics like climate, healthcare, and education.
• European Data Portal: This platform provides access to a wealth of European Union-related data on topics such as agriculture, energy, and transportation.
• University Libraries: Explore the websites of universities and research institutions to find datasets related to academic projects or research conducted by faculty members.

2. Open Data Portals

Numerous organizations and communities have created dedicated open data portals to aggregate datasets from various sources. These portals serve as central hubs for discovering open access data. Some popular options include:

• OpenData.gov: The U.S. government’s open data portal provides datasets from federal, state, and local agencies on topics ranging from economics to public safety.
• Datahub: Operated by the Open Knowledge Foundation, Datahub offers a vast collection of open datasets from various domains.
• Kaggle: Although known for its data science competitions, Kaggle also provides a platform for sharing and discovering datasets on a wide range of subjects.

3. Academic Journals and Publications

Scholarly articles often include references to the datasets used in the research. Journals and publications that support open science principles may offer links to the datasets used in the study. Additionally, some repositories specialize in hosting datasets associated with academic papers.

• Harvard Dataverse: An open-source web application developed by the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University, Dataverse allows researchers to share, publish, and manage their data.
• Dryad: This digital repository provides a platform for researchers to store and share data associated with scientific publications.

4. Open Government Initiatives

1. International Initiatives: Organizations like the Open Government Partnership (OGP) promote transparency and open data at a global level. Countries participating in the OGP commit to providing open access to government data.
2. Local Initiatives: At the local level, municipalities and city governments also participate in open data initiatives. Check your local government’s website for data sets related to topics such as public transportation, urban planning, and demographics.

Many governments around the world are actively involved in open data initiatives, ensuring public access to datasets generated through taxpayer funding. These initiatives aim to foster transparency, accountability, and innovation.

5. Social Media and Online Communities

Online communities and social media platforms can be surprisingly useful for discovering open access data. Researchers and data enthusiasts often share valuable resources and datasets through these channels.

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/datasets and r/opendata are vibrant communities where users share datasets, discuss data sources, and seek advice.
• Twitter: Search for relevant hashtags like #OpenData and #DataScience to discover datasets and valuable discussions.

6. Data Repositories and Search Engines

Several data-specific search engines and repositories are designed to facilitate the discovery of open access datasets.

• Google Dataset Search: Google offers a dedicated search engine for datasets, helping users find publicly available data from a variety of sources.
• Data.gov.uk: The UK government’s open data portal offers a wealth of datasets, searchable by keywords or categories.
• Zenodo: This repository allows researchers to share datasets, code, and other research outputs across different scientific disciplines.

7. Crowdsourced Data

Crowdsourced data platforms are rich sources of information collected by individuals or groups of people. Platforms like Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, and OpenStreetMap provide extensive datasets that are openly accessible and frequently updated.

Collecting and Using Open Access Data

Once you’ve identified a source of open access data that matches your needs, the next step is to collect and use the data effectively:

1. Download or Access the Data: Most open access data sources provide direct download links or access instructions. Follow the provided guidelines to obtain the datasets.
2. Understand the Data: Carefully read the data documentation or metadata provided with the dataset. This information explains the structure, format, and variables within the data, ensuring you use it correctly.
3. Data Cleaning and Preprocessing: Depending on the dataset, you may need to clean and preprocess the data to remove inconsistencies or irrelevant information. Data cleaning is a critical step to ensure the data’s quality and accuracy.
4. Analyze and Visualize: Utilize data analysis and visualization tools to extract insights from the dataset. Techniques such as data mining, statistical analysis, and machine learning can help uncover valuable patterns and trends.
5. Attribution and Citation: When using open access data in your research, be sure to provide proper attribution to the source. Cite the data and any associated publications according to the guidelines of the dataset provider.
6. Share Your Work: If you conduct research using open access data and produce valuable insights or analysis, consider sharing your findings with the community by publishing your work, sharing your code, or releasing the results as open data.

Harvesting Insights

Open access data is a valuable resource that empowers researchers, students, and enthusiasts to explore, analyze, and innovate. By leveraging government initiatives, open data portals, academic publications, and online communities, you can uncover datasets on a wide range of topics. When using open access data, it’s essential to ensure that you respect licensing and citation guidelines while contributing to the spirit of open science.

Whether you’re working on a research project, pursuing personal interests, or simply satisfying your curiosity, open access data is an indispensable asset that can unlock a world of knowledge and insights. With the right tools and resources, you can dive into the digital treasure trove of open access data and harness its potential for your own endeavors.

Photo via Open Access

Date: Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Time: 17:30 Door opening / 18:00 Start of event
Location: Grande Société Berne (Theaterplatz 7), Bern, Switzerland

In a bid to champion open research data practices and honour innovative researchers, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have organised the first National Open Research Data Prize (ORD Prize). This  initiative is part of the wider Action Plan “Open Research Data,” a key component of the National Strategy for Open Research Data.

The National ORD Prize’s primary mission is to commend and endorse researchers who have embraced the principles of Open Research Data (ORD) and, in turn, foster a shift towards open research methods. By sharing research data openly, this practice promotes transparency, replicability, and collaboration among scientists, ultimately allowing society to use the benefits of scientific knowledge. In the year 2023, the prize’s theme is “Reuse of Research Data.”

Save the date for this event on Wednesday, 6 December 2023. The celebration will kick off with door openings at 17:30 and the main event at 18:00, all taking place at the exquisite Grande Société in Berne, located at Theaterplatz 7.

The evening promises to be a memorable one, with Karin Frei taking the reins as the event’s moderator. Among the highlights will be the announcement of the award winners in three categories: “Gold,” “Silver,” and “Bronze.” The ceremony will also feature inspiring keynote addresses by two distinguished individuals: Prof. Dr. Frank Miedema from Utrecht University and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toma Susi from the University of Vienna.

This event is not just about recognising exceptional research practices but also about setting the stage for a brighter future of open research data. It’s an occasion that showcases the collaboration and innovation that drive science and knowledge sharing.

Join the event at the Grande Société on 6th December for the first-ever National Open Research Data Prize ceremony, an event that celebrates the power of open research and its potential to transform the way we access and share knowledge.

Find out more by clicking here

Diverse Group of Experts Delve into the Future of Scientific Publications in the Digital Age

In a significant gathering of scholars, researchers, and information experts, an event titled “Challenges of Long-term Sustainability of Electronic Scientific Journals: An Interdisciplinary Perspective” was held on September 28, 2023. The event aimed to explore the intricacies of preserving and managing scientific heritage in the digital era, with a particular focus on the obstacles faced by electronic scientific journals’ accessibility. Organized skillfully, it brought together a diverse group of participants, including legal scholars, young researchers, journal editors, librarians, and information specialists.

Among the attendees were legal scholars, young researchers enrolled in the Law doctoral program, editors of scientific journals from various academic institutions, a representative from SRCE (Sveučilišni računski centar – University Computing Centre), university and higher education librarians, and information experts. The diversity of backgrounds and expertise created a dynamic platform for addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding electronic scientific journals.

Insights into OPUS and Open Science

A noteworthy highlight of the event was a presentation on OPUS, conducted by Natasa Jakominic Marot from the University of Rijeka. OPUS is a key project partner responsible for implementing interventions related to researcher assessment reform. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of OPUS, its principles, and its activities in the context of scientific publications.

Participants, numbering a total of 40, had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the role of OPUS and its contribution to the future of scientific publishing. The presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A session that allowed attendees to delve deeper into the intricacies of OPUS and discuss its significance in the larger landscape of electronic scientific journals. The discussion also delved into the broader concept of Open Science, emphasizing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in modern research.

Academic researchers are the unsung heroes of the intellectual world, dedicating their lives to the pursuit of knowledge, the exploration of the unknown, and the advancement of human understanding. They are the driving force behind the progress of science, the development of new technologies, and the growth of our collective wisdom. But what does it truly mean to be an academic researcher? In this article, we’ll delve into the multifaceted role of academic researchers, exploring their responsibilities, challenges, and the impact they have on society.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

At the heart of academic research lies the insatiable thirst for knowledge. Academic researchers are driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world around them. They seek answers to questions that have yet to be explored, pushing the boundaries of human understanding. Their work involves investigating complex phenomena, testing hypotheses, and engaging in rigorous data collection and analysis. Whether they’re in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or any other field, academic researchers are on a perpetual quest for truth.

The Creation of New Knowledge

Academic researchers are not mere consumers of existing knowledge; they are creators of new knowledge. Their contributions expand the scope of what is known, shaping the future of their respective fields. Through innovative research, they develop novel theories, methodologies, and technologies that have the potential to change the world. Their work often leads to groundbreaking discoveries, from the invention of new medical treatments to the development of sustainable energy sources.

Contributions to Society

The impact of academic research extends far beyond the confines of academia. It touches the lives of people in various ways. For instance, medical researchers contribute to the development of life-saving drugs, while environmental scientists help us understand and address climate change. Social scientists shed light on complex societal issues, and engineers drive technological advancements that improve our quality of life. Academic researchers play a vital role in addressing the challenges and opportunities that shape our world.

The Academic Community

Academic researchers are an integral part of the academic community, working in universities, research institutions, and other educational settings. They share their findings through publications in journals and conferences, and they engage in peer review to ensure the quality and credibility of research. Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of academic research, as researchers often work with colleagues, mentors, and students to collectively advance knowledge and foster a culture of intellectual exchange.

Challenges of Academic Research

While academic research is a noble and rewarding pursuit, it is not without its challenges. Researchers often face significant pressure to secure funding for their projects, publish their work, and navigate the competitive landscape of academia. The process of peer review can be rigorous, and the path to tenure or academic recognition can be arduous. Balancing teaching, administrative duties, and research is a constant juggling act, demanding time management skills and resilience.

The Importance of Rigor and Ethics

Academic researchers must uphold the highest standards of rigor and ethics. They are responsible for conducting research that is transparent, unbiased, and based on sound methodology. Ethical considerations are paramount, ensuring that the rights and well-being of research subjects are protected. Maintaining academic integrity is crucial to preserving the trust of the public and fellow researchers.

Conclusion

Being an academic researcher is a vocation that demands dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. It involves creating new knowledge, contributing to society, and collaborating within the academic community. While it comes with challenges, the rewards are immense, as researchers have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our understanding of the world. They are the torchbearers of progress, guiding us toward a brighter, more enlightened future

Photo via Medium

Exploring the State-of-the-Art and Future of Research Managers

Date: October 17, 2023

Location: Bratislava, Slovakia

The V4+WB RMA Network Plus project is set to launch with an opening conference, highlighting the critical role of Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs) in the Visegrad Four and Western Balkan regions. Scheduled for October 17-18, 2023, in Bratislava, Slovakia, this event, hosted by the Slovak University of Technology’s Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, will gather RMAs from across the region and beyond.

Nataša Jakominić Marot, a member of the OPUS team representing Sveuciliste Rijeka and one of the pilots of the OPUS project, will deliver a speech on “Open Science” and “Research Assessment.” Joining her will be Daniel Spichtinger and Erika Kurucz, who will lead interactive sessions on these crucial topics.

The V4+WB RMA Network Plus project has a clear mission: to strengthen the network of Research Support Professionals, or RMAs, in the V4+WB region. By fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities, it aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Visegrad Four and Western Balkan countries in the field of Research and Innovation.

Key Highlights of the Conference

The conference will focus on several vital aspects, including:

Recognition and Conditions

An in-depth discussion on the state-of-the-art recognition and working conditions of RMAs in the region.

EU-Level Initiatives

Presentations on EU initiatives such as RM ROADMAP and ERA Action 17, shedding light on the opportunities they offer.

Emerald Handbook

Introduction of the Emerald Handbook on RMA globally, with a special focus on chapters covering V4+WB countries and the importance of professionalization, recognition, and training.

Engagement in EU-Funded Projects

Insights into the activities and opportunities for deeper engagement of RMA communities in EU-funded Research & Innovation projects.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is open to Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs), including professionals such as funding and legal advisors, finance managers, research support specialists, innovation managers, and technology transfer experts. It’s also relevant for those working at the interface of science, such as National Contact Points (NCPs), and individuals at other Research Performing Organisations (RPOs), universities, and NGOs based in V4 and WB countries.

Registration

Attendance is free of charge but subject to a selection procedure. Applicants with active contributions to the conference, such as delivering a presentation or leading a workshop, will be eligible for grants and inclusion in the official event/conference programme. These presentations should closely align with the conference’s theme and objectives, acknowledging the support of the International Visegrad Fund.

Get Involved

For further details and the draft agenda, please visit here.

The Opening Conference of the V4+WB RMA Network Project promises to be an essential event for Research Managers and Administrators, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange for a brighter future in research and innovation across the region.

Photo via OMT