Research

The 9th World Conference on Research Integrity (WCRI) will take place from May 3–6, 2026, in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada, bringing together researchers, institutions, funders, publishers, and policymakers from all disciplines and regions to advance responsible research practices.

Open to professionals at all career stages, the WCRI fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment through presentations, policy discussions, and networking sessions. With a strong focus on diversity, early-career support, and global collaboration, the conference will feature workshops, doctoral forums, and meet-the-expert sessions designed to equip the next generation of integrity leaders.

This edition will spotlight three critical themes:

• Artificial Intelligence: Exploring AI’s dual role in enhancing research quality while also posing new risks for misconduct and bias.
• Research Security: Addressing the balance between protecting sensitive research and maintaining openness and transparency in science.
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Deepening the dialogue between Indigenous ways of knowing and traditional research integrity frameworks.

In line with past WCRI events that produced influential statements like the Singapore, Hong Kong, and Cape Town Principles, WCRI 2026 also aims to deliver a major contribution to global research policy.

Participants are welcome to join on-site or virtually. To stay informed, register for the newsletter at www.wcri2026.org and be part of shaping the future of ethical and trustworthy research.

In the pursuit of a more equitable and transparent research ecosystem, the upcoming Conference on Opening Research Assessment will take place in Pisa, Italy, spotlighting the outcomes of the GraspOS project and offering a platform for transformative dialogue around responsible research assessment aligned with Open Science values.

Set to be hosted at the CNR Area della Ricerca di Pisa, the conference aims to reshape how research activities and contributions are evaluated—emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and fair recognition of all contributions, particularly those supporting Open Science. This shift requires not only valuing diverse research outputs but also adopting open data, tools, and infrastructures throughout the assessment process.

At the heart of the event is the GraspOS project, a forward-thinking EU initiative dedicated to developing a federated infrastructure that aggregates open resources to support emerging policy reforms. The project’s work is designed to help institutions transition towards assessment systems that are not only robust and transparent but also actively foster Open Science practices.

The conference programme will feature:

• Sessions on open infrastructures for responsible assessment,
• Discussions on transparency and inclusivity in evaluation processes,
• Panels on recognising Open Science contributions, and
• A poster session, with a call for contributions opening soon.

Important logistical details:

• Venue: CNR Area della Ricerca, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, Pisa
• Access: Easily reachable via bus (LAM Verde), taxi, or a 30-minute walk from the city center
• Closest airport: Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei)
• Train station: Pisa Centrale

The event is supported by a diverse Scientific Committee from leading European research organizations, ensuring a wide-ranging and inclusive perspective.

For more details and updates on registration and poster submissions, visit: www.graspos.eu/graspos-conference-2025 or contact the organizing team at graspos-pm@athenarc.gr.

This conference represents a significant step toward embedding fairness, openness, and responsibility into how we assess and reward scientific work.

The fifth edition of the National Open Science Festival (#OSF2025NL) will take place on 24 October 2025 at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), marking a significant milestone for the Dutch open science community.

A Hub for Open Science Enthusiasts

This annual event, organized by Open Science NL in collaboration with the University of Groningen and UMCG, is designed for researchers, research support professionals, and anyone interested in open science practices. The festival aims to foster collaboration, transparency, and innovation in research by promoting the sharing of data, publications, software, and results as openly and early as possible.

Interactive Program and Community Engagement

Attendees can expect a full day of interactive sessions, an information market, and numerous networking opportunities. The program is curated by an independent committee to ensure broad representation from the open science community. This year, the committee is chaired by Casper Albers, dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen, and Ana Ranitović, chief of Open Science at the same university.

Continuing a Tradition of Inclusivity

The National Open Science Festival is known for its community-driven approach. Previous editions have been hosted by Wageningen University (2021, online), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2022), Erasmus University Rotterdam (2023), and Maastricht University (2024). The selection of Groningen as the 2025 host follows a transparent process that prioritizes institutions new to hosting and encourages collaboration between universities and research institutes.

Barcamp Returns for a Second Year

On the day before the festival, the OSC-NL Barcamp will return to Groningen. This informal, participant-driven event offers a platform for open science enthusiasts-from newcomers to experienced practitioners-to exchange ideas and collaborate in a flexible, agenda-free format. The Barcamp is organized by OSC-NL and the National Coordination Point for Research Data Management (LCRDM).

Open Science: A Growing Movement

Open Science, as defined by UNESCO and embraced by the festival, seeks to make scientific knowledge openly available, accessible, and reusable for all. The movement leverages digital technologies to enable unprecedented sharing and analysis of research data, making global collaboration the new norm. By adopting open methods, the scientific community aims to achieve more robust results, greater efficiency, and faster dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Looking Ahead

Registration details and the full program for #OSF2025NL will be announced through official festival channels and partner organizations. With its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and community, the 2025 National Open Science Festival in Groningen promises to be a landmark event for anyone passionate about the future of open research.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Event: 5th National Open Science Festival (#OSF2025NL)
• Date: 24 October 2025
• Location: University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
• Audience: Researchers, research support staff, open science advocates, and the broader community
• Highlights: Interactive sessions, information market, networking, OSC-NL Barcamp

On May 13–14, 2025, Brussels will host the final joint conference of three groundbreaking EU-funded projects — IANUS, POIESIS, and VERITY — all united under the theme #TogetherforSocietalTrustinScience, Research and Innovation. Taking place at Talk C.E.C. in Ixelles, Belgium, this high-level workshop and discussion event aims to advance policy frameworks that strengthen public trust in science through transparency, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

Understanding and Strengthening Trust in Science

Public trust in science is under pressure from misinformation, polarisation, and rapid technological change. The IANUS, POIESIS, and VERITY projects have each tackled these challenges from complementary perspectives:

• IANUS examined how misinformation and emerging technologies affect scientific credibility.
• POIESIS explored the interplay between research integrity, public engagement, and institutional trust.
• VERITY analysed the trust ecosystem, identifying key societal actors as “Stewards of Trust.”

Together, these initiatives have developed actionable insights and policy recommendations to bridge the gap between scientific institutions and society.

A Co-Creative Policy Dialogue

The two-day event invites policymakers, researchers, institutional leaders, and artists into a Co-Creative World Café setting. Through interactive sessions and open dialogue, attendees will:

• Explore policy strategies that enhance trust in areas like climate change, health, and emerging technologies.
• Discuss mechanisms for ensuring public confidence in science-based innovation.
• Exchange best practices for ethical, transparent, and inclusive research communication.

Highlights from the Programme

• Opening Remarks and Keynotes by project leads and EU representatives, including Michael Arentoft (DG RTD) and Georgios Papanagnou (EC).
• Panel on Policy Implementation featuring UNESCO representatives and European Commission officials.
• World Café Discussions to co-develop trust-enhancing policies in real-time.
• Rapporteur Feedback Session to transform table discussions into actionable takeaways.

The second day will focus on policy synthesis and sustainability, followed by internal sessions among the project partners.

Event Details

• Dates: May 13 (10:00–18:00 CEST) & May 14 (09:00–11:00 CEST)
• Location: Talk C.E.C., Chaussee de Wavre 143, Ixelles, Brussels
• Registration Deadline: April 29, 2025
  Register here

This final event represents not just the conclusion of three influential projects, but a pivotal opportunity to build lasting frameworks for societal trust in science. For more information, contact: Steffi@AcumenIST.com.

On May 9, 2025, researchers and policymakers will come together for a thought-provoking webinar titled Slow Science to Move Forward: Rethinking Science Policy & Research Careers. The event will begin at 4:00 PM and aims to challenge the current culture of accelerated scientific output by spotlighting the principles of Slow Science – an approach that prioritizes quality over quantity, ethical reflection, and long-term societal impact.

In a research environment increasingly driven by speed and short-term results, Slow Science offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable and thoughtful academic culture. The webinar will explore how slower, more deliberate research methods can reshape science policy, improve research assessment practices, and support more meaningful academic careers, particularly for early- and mid-career researchers.

The session features three expert speakers:

• Sergio Crespo-García, Assistant Professor at Université de Montréal, a biomedical researcher focused on retinal diseases who advocates for quality-driven research in the life sciences.
• Sandra Montón Subías, ICREA Research Professor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), a prominent archaeological theorist whose work addresses colonialism, gender, and reflective academic practices.
• Annelies Van de Ven, Policy Officer at the European Commission, who brings a unique perspective from the intersection of academic research and EU science policy, with a focus on research evaluation and sustainability.

Together, the speakers will discuss how Slow Science can inspire structural changes in research funding, evaluation, and institutional norms. Participants can expect to gain practical tools for fostering resilient careers and contributing to a more inclusive, ethical, and impactful research ecosystem.

The webinar is free to attend and especially relevant for researchers seeking to balance professional success with integrity and meaningful scientific contribution.

The OSTrails project (https://ostrails.eu/), committed to improving FAIRness, interconnectivity, and machine actionability across the Planning, Tracking, and Assessing phases of research, has announced the launch of its new Mentorship Programme. Bringing together senior experts in Data Management Plans (DMPs), Scientific Knowledge Graphs (SKGs), and FAIR Assessment, the programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain personalised guidance, enhance technical and soft skills, and grow their professional networks.

Why Join?

Participants will benefit from:

• Expert Guidance: Direct learning from leading experts in the field;
• Skill Development: Strengthening competencies in DMPs, SKGs, and FAIR Assessment;
• Networking: Building connections with peers and professionals;
• Personalised Support: Tailored mentorship to meet individual or group needs.

The programme welcomes both individuals and teams from the same institution, making it flexible for a variety of participants.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Improve their technical and soft skills in targeted topics;
• Learn best practices and insights from experienced mentors;
• Develop the ability to implement OSTrails services and specifications;
• Expand their professional and research networks.

Programme Details

• Duration: June 2025 – May 2026
• Format: One-to-one and group mentoring
• Activities:
  • Kick-off meeting (1 hour)
  • Monthly mentor sessions (1–1.5 hours)

Key Dates

• Applications: March 31st – April 25th (extended to May 9th)
• Selection and Notification: May 5th
• Kick-off Meeting: June 2025
• Programme Duration: June 2025 – May 2026

Who Can Apply

The programme is open to those eager to deepen their knowledge in Data Management, Scientific Knowledge Graphs, and FAIR Assessment, particularly:

• IT infrastructure managers
• Research support staff
• Funders’ support officers
  Priority will be given to participants involved in OSTrails pilot projects and those from European Research Area competence centres and ESFRI Research Infrastructures.

As generative AI tools like ChatGPT revolutionize the landscape of academic research and scholarship, the need to approach these technologies with thoughtfulness and ethics has become increasingly crucial. On May 2, 2025, DARIAH will host a webinar titled “Thinking With Machines: How Academics Can Use Generative AI Thoughtfully and Ethically”, where Dr. Mark Carrigan, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester, will guide attendees on integrating generative AI into academic practice in ways that enhance, rather than replace, human intellectual engagement.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM IST / 5:00 PM CEST / 6:00 PM EEST
• Speaker: Dr. Mark Carrigan, University of Manchester
• Registration: Free but required

This webinar is part of the DARIAH Spring/Summer 2025 series, which aims to foster learning, share best practices, and explore social impacts through the lens of digital humanities. The Friday Frontiers webinars provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage in current academic discussions, exchange knowledge, and learn about innovative tools and methods in digital humanities scholarly practices.

The sessions are recorded and available later on DARIAH-Campus for those unable to attend live.

Webinar Abstract

Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, offer immense potential to support academic scholarship, but their indiscriminate use may pose risks to academic integrity. In this talk, Dr. Carrigan will discuss a framework that encourages the thoughtful adoption of generative AI in academic settings. Rather than treating these tools as mere productivity boosters, the presentation will explore how AI-driven conversational agents can serve as intellectual partners that complement human thought. Dr. Carrigan will also address the broader implications these advancements may have for universities and the future of academia.

About the Speaker

Dr. Mark Carrigan is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester, where he leads the MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education (DTCE) program. His expertise spans philosophy, sociology, and education, with a focus on integrating emerging technologies in academic practice. Dr. Carrigan is the author of several works, including Social Media for Academics (2nd edition, Sage) and Generative AI for Academics (Sage, December 2024). He is an active contributor to academic communities, including the Critical Realism Network and the Centre for Social Ontology.

This session is especially timely, as generative AI tools continue to evolve, raising questions about their impact on the traditional norms of academia. Dr. Carrigan’s vast experience will provide attendees with essential insights into how these technologies can be harnessed ethically and thoughtfully to enhance academic research and practice.

Registration Information

The webinar is free to attend, but prior registration is required. Visit DARIAH’s registration page to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with Dr. Carrigan and other scholars in the field of digital humanities.

Join for this insightful session on May 2 and explore how academics can harness the power of generative AI while maintaining ethical integrity in scholarly work.

Open Science Fair (OSFair) 2025, taking place from September 15–17 at CERN in Geneva, is set to spotlight the transformative power of global, cross-disciplinary partnerships in shaping the future of Open Science. Under the theme “Fusing Forces – Accelerating Open Science through Collaboration”, this year’s event calls on researchers, institutions, policymakers, and advocates to unite in pursuit of a transparent, equitable, and globally connected research ecosystem.

A Global Call for Collective Action

As complex global challenges continue to emerge, OSFair 2025 emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions that transcend geographical and disciplinary boundaries. Through a rich program of talks, panels, and workshops, the conference will explore how shared practices and inclusive cooperation can accelerate discovery and democratize access to knowledge.

Whether you’re an Open Science veteran or just getting started, OSFair 2025 offers a dynamic platform to connect, exchange, and contribute to the advancement of open, inclusive research practices.

Conference Topics & Cross-Cutting Themes

This year’s conference will dive into a wide range of timely and impactful topics:

• Fusing Forces – Accelerating Open Science through Collaboration
• AI in Open Science | Policies for Equity & Inclusion

Thematic Tracks:

• Beyond Compliance: Measuring and maximizing Open Science impact
• Open, but at What Cost?: Research security and ethical risks in openness
• Building the Digital Backbone: Sustaining and scaling Open Science infrastructures
• Rethinking Research Assessment: Towards fairer, more transparent evaluations
• Open Science for All: Training, community-building, and fostering AI literacy

Key Dates to Remember

• Registration now open
  • Early Bird: CHF 500 (until June 30)
  • Regular: CHF 600 (until July 31)
  • OpenAIRE Members: CHF 400 (until July 31)
  • Conference Dinner: CHF 100 (until July 31)
• Call for Contributions (Talks, Panels, Workshops)
  • Deadline: April 30, 2025
  • Notification: May 23, 2025
• Call for Posters
  • Deadline: May 16, 2025
  • Notification: June 6, 2025

Who Should Attend?

OSFair 2025 is geared toward:

• Research communities and infrastructures
• Libraries and repository managers
• Service providers, research administrators
• Learned societies, funders, policymakers
• Citizen science advocates, innovators in scholarly communication

Organized by OpenAIRE and CERN

An emblematic initiative of OpenAIRE, this year’s event is co-organized with and hosted by the CERN Open Science Office. OpenAIRE is a non-profit organization committed to building a sustainable, open scholarly communication infrastructure to support European and global research.

Stay Connected

Stay up to date with announcements, speakers, and opportunities via OSFair’s social media channels on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

Join us in Geneva this September and help shape the future of Open Science — because when we fuse forces, we move faster, go further, and open knowledge for all.

As DORA (The Declaration on Research Assessment) marks its 12th anniversary, the team is thrilled to unveil a new milestone in the journey towards fairer research practices: A Practical Guide to Implementing Responsible Research Assessment at Research Performing Organizations. This new resource is aimed at helping institutions take actionable steps toward meaningful reform in research evaluation.

To celebrate the launch, DORA invites the global community to join one of three online panel discussions tailored to different time zones:

• Asia-Pacific: Thursday, 15 May 2025, 14:00 AEST
• Africa & Europe: Friday, 16 May 2025, 10:00 BST
• Americas: Friday, 16 May 2025, 14:00 EDT

During these sessions, DORA’s Chairs will introduce the Guide, while guest speakers will explore its relevance and impact across different institutional and regional contexts.

The Guide is a response to a common challenge: while many organizations are eager to reform research assessment, they often lack the time, expertise, or a clear starting point. This practical tool outlines proven steps—such as forming leadership support, establishing working groups, and creating communication plans—based on a decade of experience working with institutions worldwide. It also highlights key moments within the research assessment process where change is most impactful.

To further inspire and guide action, the Guide includes real-world case studies from organizations in Canada, Denmark, and Japan that have successfully adopted Responsible Research Assessment (RRA) approaches.

Understanding that a one-size-fits-all solution is unrealistic, the Guide is designed to be an adaptable and inspirational tool. Through upcoming events and discussions, DORA looks forward to exploring how the Guide can be applied and evolved in diverse environments.

The Guide was co-developed with stakeholders who met in January 2025 in Maryland, USA. It is part of Project TARA, a DORA initiative supported by Arcadia, a charitable foundation dedicated to cultural heritage, nature conservation, and open access to knowledge. Together with tools like Reformscape, Building Blocks for Impact, and Debiasing Committee Composition, the Guide forms a comprehensive suite for institutions looking to drive meaningful change.

DORA invites everyone to be part of this global conversation and help shape the future of responsible research assessment.

Researchers in clinical medicine and allied fields are invited to explore a new way of publishing and peer review through a dedicated session introducing the F1000Research platform. This event will present the distinctive features of F1000’s open publishing model and post-publication open peer review, offering practical guidance for researchers interested in engaging with this transparent and collaborative approach to scholarly communication.

The session will feature a concise 15-minute presentation by George Cooper, Senior Associate Publisher at F1000. With over a decade of experience in academic publishing across health sciences and global development, George will explain how F1000’s model differs from traditional journals—highlighting benefits such as speed, transparency, and author control. He will also provide tips for clinical researchers on how to ensure their submissions meet the platform’s standards and navigate the peer review and revision process effectively.

Adding a valuable practitioner’s perspective, the session will include insights from Dr. Yogendra Nayak, Professor of Pharmacology at the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India. Dr. Nayak will share his experiences publishing with F1000Research, from initial submission through to final acceptance. He will also discuss how these positive experiences influenced MAHE’s decision to launch a curated Gateway on F1000Research, showcasing research from affiliated authors.

The event will conclude with a Q&A and open discussion, offering attendees the chance to ask questions and share thoughts on how open publishing could fit into their research workflows.

This session promises to be an insightful introduction for clinical researchers seeking a more open, ethical, and inclusive approach to publishing their work.