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Research and FinTech: The Intersection of Innovation and Insights
 Research and FinTech: The Intersection of Innovation and Insights 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

FinTech, short for financial technology, has been one of the fastest-growing industries in recent years. With the rise of digitalization, FinTech companies have emerged to provide alternative financial solutions to traditional banking systems. From online payments to peer-to-peer lending, FinTech has revolutionized the way we manage our finances.

However, the success of FinTech companies wouldn’t have been possible without the significant role of research in the industry. Research and FinTech go hand in hand, as innovation and insights are critical to the development and growth of the industry. In this article, we will explore the intersection of research and FinTech and how they complement each other.

FinTech companies are known for their innovative products and services. However, developing innovative solutions requires significant research to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies. Research provides the foundation for innovation in the FinTech industry.

One of the essential components of FinTech is its focus on understanding consumer behavior. FinTech companies must understand the needs and wants of their target market to develop relevant and innovative products and services. This is where research comes in, providing insights into consumer behavior and preferences.

Market research allows FinTech companies to identify gaps in the market and develop solutions that meet the needs of their target market. By analyzing consumer behavior, companies can tailor their products and services to ensure they meet the expectations of their customers. Research can also help identify potential challenges and obstacles in the market, enabling FinTech companies to adapt and evolve their strategies.

Research in FinTech can take many forms, from basic scientific research to applied research focused on developing new products and services. Basic research in fields such as computer science, mathematics, and physics has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for many of the key innovations in FinTech. For example, advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of predictive analytics and automated trading systems that are revolutionizing the way financial markets operate.

At the same time, applied research is also playing a critical role in the development of FinTech. Companies and organizations around the world are investing heavily in research to develop new products and services that can help them stay competitive in an increasingly crowded marketplace. This research is focused on a wide range of areas, including mobile payments, blockchain technology, and digital currencies.

Important area of research in FinTech is data analysis. The vast amounts of data generated by financial transactions, social media, and other sources provide a wealth of opportunities for researchers to uncover new insights and develop new models for predicting consumer behavior and market trends. This research is helping to drive the development of new products and services that are tailored to the specific needs of consumers and businesses.

The intersection between research and fintech has opened up new possibilities for financial services and has significantly impacted the way we manage our finances. The use of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence has enabled fintech companies to provide innovative solutions that are more efficient and user-friendly compared to traditional financial institutions. The importance of research cannot be overstated in this field, as it allows fintech companies to constantly evolve and improve their services. Going forward, it is expected that research will continue to play a vital role in the development of fintech, and we can anticipate further advancements that will transform the financial industry in ways we can only imagine.

Methods of Research Assessment
 Methods of Research Assessment 1024 681 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Research is an essential aspect of the scientific and academic world. The quality of research is determined by its validity, reliability, and the level of impact it has on society. Hence, it is essential to evaluate research methods and techniques to ensure they meet the required standards. The process of research assessment is critical in providing a basis for decision-making by scholars, funders, and policymakers. Here are some of the methods used to assess research.

Peer Review

Peer review is one of the most common methods of research assessment. It involves the evaluation of a research paper by experts in the same field to ensure that it meets the required standards. Peer review ensures that research is reliable and valid, and also helps to identify gaps and areas of improvement.

Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometric analysis involves the use of quantitative measures to assess the impact of research publications. This method involves analyzing the number of citations a publication has received, the number of publications by a researcher or institution, and the h-index of a researcher, which is a measure of their productivity and impact.

Altmetrics

Altmetrics are alternative metrics that provide a different view of research impact beyond traditional citations. These metrics capture online attention and engagement with research such as social media mentions, downloads, and views. Altmetrics provide a broader view of research impact and can help to identify research that has a wider societal impact.

Expert Review

Expert review involves the evaluation of research by experts in the field who provide an objective assessment of the quality of research. This method involves evaluating the methodology, results, and conclusions of the research to ensure they meet the required standards.

Impact Assessment

Impact assessment involves evaluating the impact of research on society. This method involves evaluating the extent to which research has influenced policy, practice, or societal outcomes. Impact assessment provides evidence of the value of research to society and can help to inform future research priorities.

Conclusion

Research assessment is an essential process that helps to ensure the quality and impact of research. The methods of research assessment vary, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. However, the combination of these methods can provide a more comprehensive view of research quality and impact. Researchers, funders, and policymakers must continue to use a combination of these methods to ensure that research meets the required standards and has a positive impact on society.

Open Science is Changing Universities
 Open Science is Changing Universities 1024 731 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Open Science is a rapidly growing movement that is transforming the way universities conduct research and share knowledge. The principles of Open Science, which include transparency, collaboration, and accessibility, are becoming increasingly important in today’s academic world. In this article, we will explore how Open Science is changing universities and what this means for the future of research.

One of the most significant ways that Open Science is changing universities is by promoting open access to research findings. Open access means that research articles and data are freely available online for anyone to read, download, and reuse. This approach is in contrast to the traditional publishing model, where research findings are often locked behind paywalls, making it difficult for many people to access them.

Open access is an important part of Open Science because it makes research more accessible and visible to the broader public. This, in turn, can help to increase the impact and relevance of research findings. In addition, open access can also help to address issues of equity and inclusion, ensuring that research is accessible to all, regardless of their financial resources.

Another way that Open Science is changing universities is by promoting collaboration and data sharing. Open Science encourages researchers to share their data, code, and methods with others in the research community. This approach can help to improve the quality and reproducibility of research findings, as other researchers can verify and build upon the work.

Moreover, Open Science can also help to break down disciplinary boundaries and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. By sharing data and methods, researchers from different fields can work together to solve complex problems and generate new insights. This collaborative approach can lead to more innovative and impactful research.

Open Science is also changing the way universities evaluate and reward research. Traditionally, academic success has been measured by publications in high-impact journals and the acquisition of research grants. However, Open Science encourages a more holistic approach to research evaluation, where the quality and impact of research are assessed based on factors such as open access, data sharing, and collaboration.

This new approach to research evaluation can help to incentivize and reward researchers who engage in Open Science practices. In addition, it can also help to shift the focus from the quantity of publications to the quality and impact of research.

Open Science is a rapidly growing movement that is transforming the way universities conduct research and share knowledge. By promoting open access, collaboration, and data sharing, Open Science is making research more accessible, visible, and impactful. As universities continue to adopt Open Science practices, we can expect to see more innovative and collaborative research that addresses complex global challenges.

Open Science Literature Review
 Open Science Literature Review 1024 776 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The team behind the OPUS project examined literature on Open Science. This has been conducted (and will later be updated) as part of state-of-the-art on literature to reform research(er) assessment and incentivize and reward Open Science, to stay up-to-date on research assessment reform and encourage Open Science practices.

Open Science (OS) has emerged as an inclusive movement that aims to make scientific knowledge multilingual, openly available, accessible, and reusable for everyone. The movement also seeks to increase scientific collaborations and sharing of information, and to open the processes of scientific knowledge creation, evaluation, and communication to societal actors beyond the traditional scientific community. To achieve these goals, the research community needs to reform the researcher assessment system and incentivize and reward OS practices. The OPUS project was initiated to address this need, and it has three main components: incentives for OS, metrics and indicators for OS, and pilots to implement and monitor OS.

The first component, incentives for OS, involves a review of the existing literature on researcher assessment and the incentivization of OS practices. The review found that the current assessment system focuses too much on bibliometrics, which involves peer-reviewed publications and citations in top journals. To promote OS, the research community needs a more comprehensive approach that includes research/non-research, open/closed, and quantitative/qualitative dimensions. The literature also suggests several proposals for frameworks, including principles, guidelines, support, and indicators/metrics to reform researcher assessment.

The second component, metrics and indicators for OS, involves the identification of key metrics and indicators that can measure the impact of OS practices. This component is crucial for incentivizing and rewarding OS, as it enables the research community to measure the impact of OS practices and their contribution to the scientific community and society. The OPUS project is currently developing a framework of indicators/metrics for researcher assessment, including OS, to promote the adoption of OS practices in research-performing and research-funding organizations.

The third component, pilots to implement and monitor OS, involves the implementation of the framework developed in the second component in research-performing and research-funding organizations. The pilots will test the effectiveness of the framework and identify any areas that require improvement. The ultimate goal of the pilots is to promote the adoption of OS practices and reform the researcher assessment system to incentivize and reward OS practices.

In conclusion, the OPUS project is a vital initiative that seeks to promote OS practices, reform the researcher assessment system, and incentivize and reward OS practices. The project’s three components, incentives for OS, metrics and indicators for OS, and pilots to implement and monitor OS, provide a comprehensive approach to promoting OS and ensuring its adoption in the research community. Ultimately, the adoption of OS practices will enable the research community to increase scientific collaborations, sharing of information, and open engagement of societal actors, leading to greater trust in science by researchers and the public.

Country Leaders of Open Science
 Country Leaders of Open Science 1024 682 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Open Science is an initiative that aims to make scientific research more transparent, accessible, and reproducible. It is based on the principles of open access, open data, open source, and open peer review. The goal of open science is to improve the quality and impact of scientific research, to accelerate scientific discovery, and to make science more relevant and useful to society.

Several countries around the world have recognized the potential of open science and have taken initiatives to promote it. These countries have implemented policies and strategies that support open science, such as open access mandates, data management policies, and open science platforms. In this article, we will highlight some of the country leaders of open science and their initiatives.

  1. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a pioneer in open science, and its government has been promoting open access to scientific publications since 2003. In 2013, the Dutch government launched the National Plan Open Science, which aims to make all publicly funded scientific publications in the Netherlands open access by 2020. The plan also promotes open data, open peer review, and citizen science. The Netherlands also hosts the Open Science Centre, a platform that provides tools and resources for open science.

  1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has been a strong advocate for open science, and its government has implemented several policies to promote it. In 2012, the UK government launched the Finch Report, which recommended that all publicly funded research should be made available in open access. In 2016, the UK government launched the Open Research Data Task Force, which aims to promote open data in research. The UK also hosts the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) open access policy, which requires all research articles and conference papers resulting from UKRI funding to be made open access.

  1. Canada

Canada has been a leader in open science, and its government has implemented policies and initiatives to promote it. In 2015, the Canadian government launched the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy, which requires all peer-reviewed articles funded by the three major federal research funding agencies to be made open access within 12 months of publication. The Canadian government also launched the Open Science Implementation Plan, which aims to make all federally funded research data openly available by default.

  1. United States

The United States has also recognized the importance of open science and has implemented several policies and initiatives to promote it. In 2013, the Obama administration launched the Open Data Policy, which requires federal agencies to make their data open and machine-readable by default. In 2019, the US government launched the Federal Data Strategy, which aims to improve the management and use of federal data. The US government also hosts several open science platforms, such as the open data portal and the Open Science Framework.

  1. European Union

The European Union has also taken initiatives to promote open science. In 2016, the European Commission launched the Open Science Policy Platform, which provides advice and recommendations on open science to the Commission. In 2018, the European Commission launched the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), which aims to provide a single access point for European research data. The EOSC also promotes open data, open access, and open science practices.

Open science is an initiative that is gaining momentum worldwide, and several countries are taking initiatives to promote it. These initiatives are aimed at making scientific research more accessible, transparent, and reproducible. The leaders of open science have implemented policies and strategies that support open access, open data, open source, and open peer review. As a result, scientific research is becoming more relevant and useful to society, and scientific discovery is accelerating.

Scientific Research Raises People From Poverty
 Scientific Research Raises People From Poverty 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Scientific research has been instrumental in lifting people out of poverty, improving their quality of life, and helping them realize their full potential. Through innovative ideas, groundbreaking discoveries, and cutting-edge technologies, scientific research has transformed the world we live in, making it a better place to live for all.

One of the most significant contributions of scientific research to poverty reduction has been in the field of agriculture. Modern agricultural techniques have increased crop yields, reduced soil degradation, and improved the quality of crops, resulting in higher incomes for farmers and improved food security for communities. Advances in agricultural science have enabled farmers to grow crops in previously barren areas, leading to increased production and income.

Medical research has also played a vital role in reducing poverty, improving people’s health and well-being. Through the development of vaccines and medicines, scientists have helped to prevent and treat diseases that have historically plagued impoverished communities. Medical research has also led to the discovery of new treatments for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect low-income communities.

In addition to agriculture and medicine, scientific research has also contributed to poverty reduction through the development of renewable energy technologies. Access to affordable and reliable energy is critical for economic development, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have the potential to provide clean and sustainable energy to millions of people around the world. Scientific research has helped to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these technologies, making them more accessible to low-income communities.

Furthermore, scientific research has also contributed to poverty reduction through the development of innovative solutions to social problems. For example, researchers have developed low-cost water filtration systems, which have helped to provide clean drinking water to communities in developing countries. Similarly, advances in information technology have enabled low-income communities to access educational resources and job opportunities, helping to break the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life.

Scientific research has been instrumental in raising people out of poverty and improving their lives. Through innovative ideas, groundbreaking discoveries, and cutting-edge technologies, scientists have transformed the world we live in, making it a better place for all. As we continue to face complex challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and global health crises, scientific research will continue to play a critical role in addressing these issues and improving the lives of people around the world.

Young Talents in Scientific Community
 Young Talents in Scientific Community 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The scientific community is full of talented individuals who are passionate about their work and have the potential to make significant contributions to their field. However, finding these young talents can sometimes be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that young talents in the scientific community can be discovered and nurtured.

Firstly, it is important to encourage young people to pursue their interests in science from a young age. This can be done by providing opportunities for them to explore different areas of science and technology, such as through science camps or after-school programs. By providing a supportive environment and access to resources, young people can begin to develop their interests and talents in science.

Another way to discover young talents in the scientific community is to support and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. These students are often working on cutting-edge research projects and may have unique insights or innovative ideas that can contribute to the field. By providing mentorship and support, researchers can help to develop these students’ skills and encourage them to continue their work in the future.

In addition, scientific conferences and competitions can provide a platform for young talents to showcase their work and gain recognition in their field. These events bring together researchers from around the world and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. By participating in these events, young talents can gain valuable experience and exposure to the latest research in their field.

Another important factor in discovering young talents in the scientific community is diversity and inclusion. By promoting diversity in the scientific community, researchers can ensure that they are not overlooking talented individuals from underrepresented groups. This can be done by providing mentorship and support to students from diverse backgrounds, as well as by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all scientists.

Finally, funding agencies and research institutions can play a critical role in discovering and nurturing young talents in the scientific community. By providing funding and resources for innovative research projects, these organizations can help to support the next generation of scientists and encourage them to pursue their passions in science.

To sum up, discovering young talents in the scientific community is crucial for advancing scientific research and innovation. By providing opportunities for exploration and development, supporting undergraduate and graduate students, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing funding and resources for research, we can help to ensure that the next generation of scientists is equipped to make significant contributions to their fields.

How Technology is Revolutionizing Scientific Research
 How Technology is Revolutionizing Scientific Research 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The 21st century has witnessed a digital revolution that has impacted virtually every aspect of our lives, including the way we conduct scientific research. Digitalization has transformed the way we generate, analyze, store, and share data, making it easier for scientists to collaborate and disseminate their findings to a wider audience. At the same time, the rise of open science has challenged traditional practices in scientific research, encouraging greater transparency, collaboration, and accessibility.

Digitalization and open science are closely intertwined, as both rely on technology to enable new modes of scientific inquiry. Digitalization has allowed researchers to generate and collect vast amounts of data, using sophisticated sensors, imaging techniques, and computational tools. For example, the field of genomics has been revolutionized by advances in high-throughput sequencing technology, which can generate massive amounts of DNA data in a matter of hours. Similarly, the field of neuroscience has benefited from advanced imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which can capture detailed images of brain activity in real-time.

Once collected, these large datasets can be analyzed using powerful computational tools, such as machine learning algorithms, to identify patterns and insights that would be impossible to discern with traditional statistical methods. These tools can help researchers to uncover new associations and relationships between variables, and to develop more accurate models and predictions.

Open science, on the other hand, seeks to make scientific research more transparent, collaborative, and accessible to the wider community. This movement is driven by a growing recognition that scientific knowledge is a public good, and that research findings should be openly shared and evaluated by the scientific community. Open science encompasses a range of practices, including open access publishing, preprints, open data, and open peer review.

Open access publishing is a key component of open science, as it makes scientific publications freely available to anyone with an internet connection, rather than being restricted to those with access to expensive journal subscriptions. This model has gained traction in recent years, with many funding agencies and universities requiring researchers to publish their findings in open access journals.

Preprints are another important aspect of open science, as they allow researchers to share their findings with the scientific community before they undergo peer review. This enables researchers to receive feedback and improve their research before it is formally published, and can also help to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery.

Open data is another key component of open science, as it makes scientific data freely available to other researchers and the public. This can help to promote transparency, enable replication of results, and facilitate collaboration between researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

Finally, open peer review seeks to make the peer review process more transparent and accountable, by allowing reviewers to sign their reviews and share them publicly. This can help to reduce bias and promote constructive criticism, while also promoting greater engagement and participation from the scientific community.

Overall, digitalization and open science are transforming the landscape of scientific research, enabling new modes of inquiry and promoting greater transparency, collaboration, and accessibility. While these developments are not without challenges, including concerns around data privacy and quality control, they hold great promise for advancing scientific knowledge and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to shape the future of scientific research.

MCAA Around the World Webinar Series – Storytelling in Science
 MCAA Around the World Webinar Series – Storytelling in Science 630 238 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Join for an exciting Microsoft Teams meeting on March 10, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (UTC+01:00) as power of storytelling in science communication is explored. Speakers, Chiara Segré and Martins Zaumanis, will share their expertise and tips on how to effectively communicate science to non-experts without oversimplifying or distorting the scientific content. This event promises to be enlightening and engaging, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now and join for this informative and inspiring discussion!

About speakers:

Chaira Segré is a biologist and research doctor in molecular oncology who holds a master’s degree in science journalism and communication. With eight years of experience in cancer research, she has been actively involved in scientific dissemination since 2010. She is currently the Head of Scientific Supervision at the Umberto Veronesi Foundation and is also a children’s and teenagers’ book author. In 2021, she co-authored the book “The secrets of the centenarians” (Sperling & Kupfer) for the Veronesi Foundation with Agnese Collino. According to her, scientific culture is essential for social and cultural development and is a prerequisite for every modern democratic society.

Martins Zaumanis is a researcher at Empa in Switzerland who is passionate about helping scientists effectively communicate their research. He has authored the “Peer Recognized” book series, providing practical advice on writing impactful research papers, delivering compelling academic presentations, securing research funding, and creating scientific visualizations. Through his blog, Martins shares useful tools to enhance scientists’ communication skills. In his upcoming presentation, Martins will share valuable tips on how to clearly communicate research findings. His research focus is on bringing sustainability to road pavements through recycling, warm mix asphalt, and the use of waste materials in asphalt production. He collaborates closely with road construction companies and road administrations to promote the adoption of these sustainable technologies.

Register here!

Champions of Open Science
 Champions of Open Science 1 1 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In the world of academia, scientific research has traditionally been a closely guarded domain, only accessible to those with the means and resources to access it. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards open science and free access to knowledge. This movement has been driven by a number of dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make scientific research more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial or institutional resources. In this article, we will explore the contributions of some of the people who have played a significant role in making open science and free access to knowledge a reality.

  1. Brian Nosek: Brian Nosek is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and co-founder of the Center for Open Science. Nosek is a vocal advocate for open science and has conducted extensive research on scientific practices and biases. His work has helped to promote transparency and reproducibility in the field of psychology, and he has also developed several tools and resources to facilitate open science practices, such as the Open Science Framework.
  2. Jean-Claude Bradley: Jean-Claude Bradley was a chemist and professor at Drexel University who was a pioneer in the open science movement. Bradley was a strong advocate for open access to scientific research and data, and he was a proponent of using online tools to facilitate collaboration and sharing among researchers. He also developed several open science projects, including the Open Notebook Science Network and the UsefulChem project, which focused on open collaboration in the field of chemistry.
  3. John Wilbanks: John Wilbanks is a data commons expert who has worked with several organizations to promote open science practices. He has been a strong advocate for open access to scientific research and data, and he has helped to develop several tools and initiatives to facilitate this, such as the Consent to Research Project and the Sage Bionetworks Commons.
  4. Erin McKiernan: Erin McKiernan is a professor of physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a vocal advocate for open science practices. McKiernan has been involved in several initiatives to promote open access to scientific research and data, including the Open Access Button and the Cost of Knowledge project. She has also been a vocal proponent of open data and open educational resources.
  5. Michael Eisen: Michael Eisen is a biologist and co-founder of the Public Library of Science (PLOS), which is a nonprofit organization that promotes open access to scientific research. Eisen has been a strong advocate for open access publishing and has worked to develop several open science initiatives, including the Open Science Framework and the ASAPbio project.

These champions of open science have made significant contributions to the scientific community by promoting transparency, collaboration, and open access to scientific research and data. Their work has helped to advance the open science movement and has encouraged other researchers to adopt open science practices. As more scientists and organizations embrace open science, the scientific community will become more collaborative, transparent, and accessible to all.

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