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Transforming Research Assessment: The OPUS Project and Open Science in Europe
 Transforming Research Assessment: The OPUS Project and Open Science in Europe 1024 576 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The Open and Universal Science (OPUS) project is focused on reshaping how research and researchers are assessed, developing and testing new indicators and methods. This initiative, which encourages open science practices, brings together three Research Performing Organisations (RPOs)—Nova University Lisbon, the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), and the University of Cyprus—as well as two Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) from Lithuania and Romania (RCL and UEFISCDI). Through these pilots, the institutions collaborate with external experts and engage in mutual learning exercises to refine their approaches. The primary aim of OPUS is to create a more inclusive and comprehensive framework that moves beyond traditional metrics like bibliometrics and journal impact factors. The framework aims to recognise the wide diversity of activities by researchers and incentivise and reward Open Science.

University of Rijeka: Supporting Transparency and Collaboration

At the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), open science plays a central role, focusing on making scientific research more transparent and accessible. Since adopting the European Open Science Declaration in 2019, the university has committed to ensuring that publicly funded research is publicly available. In 2021, UNIRI formalised its open science policy, outlining the steps necessary for implementation. The university is also actively involved in European initiatives, such as the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance, with five of YUFE’s nine research groups coming from Rijeka.

Embedded Video 1: UNIRI Video Interview

UNIRI’s Centre for Open Science, housed within the University Library, supports researchers through educational programmes, repository management, and collaboration with both national and international partners. A key focus is helping researchers avoid predatory journals, offering training on tools like Google Scholar, ORCID, and Research ID. These efforts aim to simplify the process for researchers to access and manage their work in the modern scientific landscape.

Embedded video 2: https://youtu.be/YOqXc19pGAY?feature=shared

Through the OPUS project, UNIRI is refining its research assessment practices by introducing new indicators and methods that align with open science principles. This is expected to foster more interdisciplinary collaboration and help position young researchers as key contributors to the open science movement.

Nova University Lisbon: Advancing Responsible and Transparent Research

Nova University Lisbon has been a long-standing advocate of open science, viewing it as essential for ensuring research is transparent, reproducible, and responsible. The university is aligning its policies with national guidelines set by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), preparing to release an updated open science policy soon.

Embedded video 1: Nova University Video Interview

As part of its commitment, Nova is preparing an Open Science Guide that will provide practical advice, aligning with recommendations from UNESCO, the European Commission, and Science Europe. Nova has also been promoting open access for more than a decade, with two-thirds of its publications freely available. By integrating its repository with the national system, Nova has streamlined the process for researchers, allowing for easier access to research outputs. The university also encourages open data and software sharing via platforms like Zenodo and GitHub.

Embedded Video 2: https://youtu.be/Bcq4VdHz6WQ?feature=shared

In addition to these efforts, Nova University is actively reforming its research assessment processes. Through OPUS, the university has launched initiatives like the Research Impact Narratives Challenge, encouraging researchers to showcase the societal impact of their work, moving beyond traditional metrics.

University of Cyprus: Promoting Engagement and Reproducibility

Open science is a priority for the University of Cyprus, which emphasises transparency and collaboration in research. Although its open science policy is voluntary, over 60% of its publications are available through open access. The university has introduced funding for open access publications and data management, helping foster a more open research culture.

Embedded Video 1: University of Cyprus Video Interview

The University of Cyprus also focuses on improving research reproducibility. Through seminars, the university equips researchers with tools and methods to ensure their work can be replicated, a critical aspect of high-quality research. Additionally, the university encourages citizen engagement in research, promoting a more participatory approach to scientific inquiry.

Embedded Video 2: https://youtu.be/q28J99tjXSo?feature=shared

Through OPUS, the University of Cyprus is enhancing its research assessment practices, introducing balanced evaluation methods that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wider range of research outputs, including those aligned with open science, are properly recognised and rewarded.

UEFISCDI: Modernising Research Assessment in Romania

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) is a key player in advancing open science practices in Romania. As part of the OPUS project, UEFISCDI is testing new frameworks to encourage researchers to adopt open science principles. Since 2018, UEFISCDI has led the development of Romania’s Open Science Knowledge Hub, which provides resources to guide researchers in open science practices.

Embedded video 1: UEFISCDI Video Interview

The agency has contributed to Romania’s National Open Science Strategic Framework and the National Strategy on Research, Innovation, and Smart Specialisation (2022–2027). UEFISCDI’s involvement in European and international initiatives, such as OpenAIRE and the Research Data Alliance, further strengthens its ability to align Romania’s policies with broader European standards.

Embedded video 2: https://youtu.be/L5gTu0EDatg?feature=shared

As part of its efforts, UEFISCDI has introduced mandatory data management plans for funded projects, representing a significant step towards integrating open science into research funding processes.

Building a More Inclusive and Transparent Research Environment

The OPUS project is working to reshape research assessment by encouraging the adoption of open science practices. Institutions like the University of Rijeka, Nova University Lisbon, the University of Cyprus, and UEFISCDI are collaborating to build more inclusive and transparent research environments. Through these efforts, they are refining policies, raising awareness, and advancing the role of open science in driving meaningful progress within the academic community.

Photo credit: ACOLA

Advancing Open Science: Mutual Responsiveness and Openness as Research Values
 Advancing Open Science: Mutual Responsiveness and Openness as Research Values 813 885 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Towards a New Ethos of Science or a Reform of the Institution of Science? Merton Revisited and the Future of Open Science

In his latest publication, Towards a New Ethos of Science or a Reform of the Institution of Science? featured in the sixth special edition of NOvation, Rene Von Schomberg discusses the evolving dynamics of the scientific community and the broader institutional structures underpinning it. The article explores a timely and vital question: should science be governed by a revised ethical framework that emphasizes openness and collaboration, or does it require a deeper, institutional-level reform to promote these values effectively?

Von Schomberg revisits Robert K. Merton’s seminal work on the ethos of science, which identified a set of norms guiding scientific practice. Merton’s framework included principles like communalism, universalism, disinterestedness, and organised skepticism, designed to ensure that science remained a self-regulated, autonomous system. The article questions whether Merton’s ethos remains relevant or if a more functional and systematic approach is needed to integrate modern values like openness and mutual responsiveness.

The Role of Open Science

Open science has emerged as a core theme in this debate. Von Schomberg argues that the values underpinning open science (openness in data sharing, collaboration across disciplines, and responsiveness to societal needs) require more than individual commitment from scientists. Instead, he proposes that these values should be institutionalised within the governance of science itself. This transition is necessary, particularly in the wake of global challenges like COVID-19, which showcased the importance of science’s responsiveness to societal pressures.

COVID-19 demonstrated how the urgency of producing knowledge to address real-world problems places new demands on the scientific institution. In this context, Von Schomberg suggests that focusing only on individual researchers and their adherence to ethical norms is inadequate. Instead, the evaluation systems in science, typically driven by metrics like publication counts and citations, should shift toward assessing the broader scientific system’s effectiveness in contributing to societal goals.

From Scientific Integrity to Broader Governance

One of the key shifts explored in the paper is the movement from Merton’s normative ethos toward codified frameworks like scientific integrity. While Merton’s ethos largely depended on the internal regulation of scientists, modern scientific integrity frameworks involve formal codes of conduct and guidelines meant to safeguard responsible research practices. Von Schomberg argues that such codifications, while necessary, are insufficient on their own for fostering true openness and collaboration.

Instead, the paper suggests that the governance of science should actively promote open science practices through policies and incentives. For instance, rewarding collaborative efforts and data sharing, rather than solely focusing on individual research output, can help institutionalise the values of openness and mutual responsiveness.

Implications for Research Assessment

A significant part of the paper is dedicated to discussing how these changes would affect research assessment. Traditional research evaluation methods, which often prioritise individual outputs, may not align with the goals of open science. Von Schomberg proposes that research assessments should prioritise the scientific system’s ability to contribute to societal challenges and foster collaborative research. This shift would require rethinking how success in science is measured, with a greater emphasis on the collective impact of research initiatives rather than individual accomplishments.

Reforming the Institution of Science

Von Schomberg concludes that the future of science lies not in simply revising its ethical norms but in overhauling the institutional structures that guide it. Open science, with its values of transparency, collaboration, and societal responsiveness, must become an integral part of how science operates at an institutional level. To achieve this, a reform of the system (encompassing governance, research evaluation, and scientific integrity) is essential.

The article provides a thought-provoking analysis of how the scientific community can evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, emphasising the need for a systemic shift towards openness and collective responsibility.

For more of Von Schomberg’s insights, you can access the full paper here http://dx.doi.org/10.5380/nocsi.v0i6

Photo via Maastricht University

Who We Need in an Open Science Alliance
 Who We Need in an Open Science Alliance 1000 625 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Open science, a movement advocating for transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in research, has the potential to transform scientific discovery and societal impact. However, achieving its full promise requires a concerted effort from a diverse coalition of stakeholders. Here’s a look at who we need in an open science alliance and why their roles are crucial.

1. Researchers and Scientists

Researchers and scientists are the primary drivers of open science. Their commitment to sharing data, methodologies, and findings openly is fundamental. By adopting open science practices, they enhance reproducibility, foster innovation through collaboration, and accelerate the overall pace of scientific discovery. Researchers from all disciplines, including early-career scientists and established experts, must embrace and advocate for open science principles.

2. Academic Institutions

Universities and research institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of open science. These institutions can support open science by providing the necessary infrastructure, such as open-access repositories and data management services. Additionally, they can incentivize open practices through tenure and promotion criteria that recognize open publications and data sharing. Academic leaders must champion open science to create an environment that values and rewards transparency and collaboration.

3. Funding Agencies

Funding agencies have significant leverage to drive the adoption of open science practices. By mandating open access to publications and data as a condition of grant funding, these agencies can ensure that the outputs of publicly funded research are accessible to all. Organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the European Research Council (ERC) have already taken steps in this direction, setting examples for others to follow. The continued support and expansion of these policies are critical.

4. Publishers and Journals

Traditional publishing models often restrict access to research findings through paywalls. However, publishers and journals can be pivotal allies in the open science movement by embracing open access models. By transitioning to open access publishing, journals ensure that scientific knowledge is freely available to researchers, practitioners, and the public worldwide. Additionally, publishers can adopt practices that promote data sharing and open peer review, further enhancing transparency and trust in research.

5. Technology Developers

The infrastructure of open science relies heavily on technology. Developers of open-source tools and platforms play a crucial role in enabling researchers to share, analyze, and collaborate on data and publications seamlessly. From data repositories like Zenodo and Dryad to collaborative platforms like GitHub and Jupyter Notebooks, these technologies facilitate the practical implementation of open science. Ongoing innovation and support from the tech community are essential to address evolving needs and challenges.

6. Policy Makers

Government and policy makers can create an enabling environment for open science through legislation and regulation. By enacting policies that require open access to publicly funded research and promoting data sharing standards, policy makers can institutionalize open science practices. Moreover, they can allocate resources to support the development of open science infrastructure and training programs, ensuring that researchers have the tools and skills needed to operate in an open science ecosystem.

7. Libraries and Information Specialists

Libraries and information specialists are at the forefront of managing and disseminating scientific knowledge. Their expertise in curation, archiving, and providing access to research outputs is indispensable in the open science landscape. Libraries can offer services and training to help researchers comply with open access mandates and manage their data effectively. As advocates for open access, libraries also play a critical role in negotiating with publishers and promoting institutional repositories.

8. Citizen Scientists and the Public

Engaging the public and citizen scientists in the research process enhances the impact and relevance of scientific work. Citizen science projects, where volunteers contribute to data collection and analysis, exemplify the democratization of science. Public involvement not only broadens the scope of research but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of science among the general population. Encouraging and supporting citizen science initiatives is an important aspect of the open science movement.

9. Industry Partners

Collaboration with industry can amplify the benefits of open science. Companies, particularly those in technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, can contribute resources, expertise, and data to open science initiatives. Such partnerships can accelerate the translation of research into practical applications and innovations. Industry stakeholders can also adopt open science principles within their research and development processes, setting an example for the broader community.

A Call to Collective Action

Building a robust open science alliance requires the active participation and collaboration of a diverse array of stakeholders. Each group brings unique strengths and perspectives that are vital to the success of open science. By working together, we can create a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient scientific ecosystem that benefits researchers, practitioners, and society at large. The open science movement is not just a vision for the future; it is a collaborative endeavor that demands our collective action today.

Photo via Marcello Ballardini

The Acceleration of Technological Findings through Open Educational and Research Material
 The Acceleration of Technological Findings through Open Educational and Research Material 900 527 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

In today’s digital age, the sharing of knowledge has become more accessible than ever before. With the advent of open educational resources (OER) and open access research material, the barriers to accessing valuable information have been significantly lowered. This democratization of knowledge not only benefits students and researchers but also plays a pivotal role in accelerating technological findings across various fields.

Open educational and research material refers to resources that are freely available to anyone, anywhere, without any restrictions on access or use. This includes textbooks, lecture notes, research articles, datasets, and more. By making these resources openly available, educators and researchers can contribute to the collective pool of knowledge, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale.

One of the most significant effects of fully available and open educational and research material is its potential to accelerate the pace of technological findings. Here’s how:

  1. Accessibility: Open educational resources allow students from all backgrounds and locations to access high-quality learning materials at no cost. This accessibility levels the playing field, providing equal opportunities for education and skill development. Similarly, open access research material enables researchers to access the latest findings and build upon existing knowledge without facing paywalls or subscription barriers.
  2. Collaboration: Openness encourages collaboration among researchers, educators, and students from different institutions and disciplines. By freely sharing educational resources and research findings, individuals can collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and accelerates the development of new technologies.
  3. Innovation: Open educational and research material serves as a catalyst for innovation by facilitating the rapid dissemination of ideas and findings. Researchers can build upon the work of others, replicate experiments, and conduct meta-analyses more efficiently when access to research material is unrestricted. This leads to faster progress in technological advancements and scientific discoveries.
  4. Transparency: Openness promotes transparency in the research process, allowing for greater scrutiny and reproducibility of findings. When research material is openly available, it becomes easier for other researchers to verify results, identify errors, and validate conclusions. This transparency enhances the reliability and credibility of scientific research, laying the foundation for further advancements.
  5. Educational Impact: Open educational resources provide educators with the flexibility to adapt and customize course materials to suit the needs of their students. This personalized approach to learning can enhance student engagement and comprehension, leading to better learning outcomes. Additionally, open access to research material allows students to explore cutting-edge research topics and gain hands-on experience in their field of study.

Fully available and open educational and research material has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and conduct research. By breaking down barriers to access and promoting collaboration and innovation, openness accelerates the pace of technological findings, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future. Embracing open practices in education and research is not only beneficial for individuals but also essential for driving progress and addressing global challenges.

Photo via ISHN

Open Science = ?
 Open Science = ? 1024 576 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

Transformative movement, known as Open Science, heralds a new era of discovery and innovation. But what exactly does Open Science equal? Let’s delve into the multifaceted dimensions of this groundbreaking approach and explore how it serves as a catalyst for progress across various domains.

Open Science = Better Education

At the heart of Open Science lies the principle of democratizing knowledge. By making research findings freely available to all, regardless of institutional affiliation or financial resources, Open Science fosters a culture of inclusivity and lifelong learning. Students, educators, and enthusiasts alike can access a wealth of information, empowering them to deepen their understanding of complex subjects and engage in evidence-based discourse. Moreover, open access to educational materials eliminates barriers to learning, particularly in underserved communities, thereby promoting equitable access to quality education worldwide.

Open Science = Technological Advancements

Embracing the ethos of collaboration, Open Science transcends geographical boundaries and disciplinary silos. Through open sharing of data, methodologies, and tools, researchers can leverage collective expertise to tackle grand challenges and accelerate scientific breakthroughs. This collaborative ethos fuels a virtuous cycle of innovation, driving the development of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced imaging techniques and data analytics, Open Science catalyzes the rapid advancement of scientific capabilities, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and address pressing societal needs.

Open Science = Improved Research

Transparency and reproducibility are the cornerstones of scientific integrity. By promoting open access to research outputs and fostering transparent practices, Open Science enhances the reliability and credibility of scientific findings. Openly sharing data and methodologies allows for independent verification of results, mitigating the risk of erroneous conclusions and enhancing the robustness of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, open peer review mechanisms encourage constructive feedback and promote accountability within the scientific community, ultimately leading to higher standards of research conduct and integrity.

Open Science = Global Collaboration

In an interconnected world, addressing complex challenges requires collective action on a global scale. Open Science transcends borders and cultivates a culture of collaboration among researchers, institutions, and policymakers worldwide. By facilitating the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources across diverse communities, Open Science enables interdisciplinary collaboration and fosters innovation ecosystems that transcend traditional boundaries. Whether tackling climate change, global health crises, or fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, Open Science empowers researchers to pool their collective intellect and expertise in pursuit of shared objectives.

Open Science = Empowering Citizen Scientists

One of the most transformative aspects of Open Science is its capacity to engage and empower individuals beyond traditional academic circles. Through citizen science initiatives, Open Science invites members of the public to actively participate in the scientific process, democratizing research and fostering a sense of ownership over scientific endeavors. Whether monitoring environmental changes, contributing to biodiversity surveys, or analyzing astronomical data, citizen scientists play a vital role in generating valuable insights and advancing scientific knowledge. By breaking down barriers between professional researchers and the public, Open Science cultivates a culture of scientific literacy and civic engagement, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to collective understanding and decision-making processes.

Open Science = Ethical and Responsible Innovation

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and ethical dilemmas, Open Science serves as a guiding principle for ethical and responsible innovation. By promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, Open Science fosters ethical conduct and responsible stewardship of scientific knowledge and technologies. Open dialogue and engagement with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, ethicists, and civil society organizations, ensure that scientific advancements are aligned with societal values and address pressing ethical concerns. Moreover, by openly sharing information about potential risks and uncertainties, Open Science enables informed decision-making and risk management strategies, thereby fostering a more ethical and sustainable approach to innovation. Ultimately, Open Science underscores the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the fabric of scientific inquiry, ensuring that technological advancements serve the collective good and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Paving the Way Forward

In essence, Open Science represents a fundamental shift in the way we conduct and perceive scientific inquiry. It embodies the principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and impactful scientific enterprise. By embracing Open Science, we unlock the full potential of collective human endeavor, harnessing the power of knowledge to address the most pressing challenges facing our world today. As we journey into an increasingly interconnected future, Open Science stands as a beacon of progress, illuminating pathways to discovery, innovation, and positive societal change.

Photo via Open Sciences

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