#ResearchAssessment

As the Open Science movement gains momentum, the need for robust, community-driven, and sustainable infrastructures becomes increasingly critical. To address this challenge, the Global Sustainability Coalition for Open Science Services (SCOSS), in collaboration with LIBER, is hosting an insightful webinar that will spotlight key initiatives shaping the future of scholarly communication.

The webinar will introduce the LIBER community to SCOSS’s mission of supporting non-commercial, scholar-led services that form the backbone of Open Science. With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and equity, participants will explore how these infrastructures fill vital gaps in the global research landscape—and how institutions and individuals can contribute to their continued growth and impact.

Attendees will hear directly from leaders behind some of SCOSS’s most influential endorsed infrastructures:

• Olaf Siegert (ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics) will discuss discipline-specific services such as EconStor, Open Library Economics, and the ZBW Journal Data Archive, all supporting Open Access and data management in economics.
• Rosalie Lack (SCOSS Coordinator) will provide an overview of SCOSS’s strategy and its role in strengthening the Open Science ecosystem worldwide.
• Susan Murray (Executive Director, African Journals OnLine) will share how AJOL has grown into a full-text platform for African peer-reviewed journals, providing vital visibility and access to local research.
• Raphaël Tournoy (Head of Episciences) will highlight the overlay journal model and how Episciences promotes transparent and reproducible scientific publishing.
• Iratxe Puebla (Director, Make Data Count) will speak on advancing data usage metrics and data evaluation practices through open infrastructure.
• Jean-Sébastien Caux (Founder, SciPost) will discuss his efforts to create an alternative publishing model rooted in openness, with SciPost offering genuine open access solutions for scientists by scientists.

This event will not only showcase success stories but also offer practical insights on how to support and engage with sustainable scholarly infrastructures. It’s free to attend, and the session will be recorded for broader access.

Register now to join this important conversation and be part of building a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future for Open Science.

Note: By attending any LIBER event, participants agree to adhere to the LIBER Code of Conduct.

On April 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM BST, the University of Turku will host a forward-looking webinar titled “Keyword Impact Assessment Through Altmetric Indicators,” featuring guest speaker Ashraf Maleki. This session will introduce a novel method of analyzing research impact by shifting the focus from articles and journals to the keywords that drive attention across scientific publications.

Rather than evaluating impact solely through traditional citation counts or journal metrics, this webinar delves into altmetric indicators – such as media mentions, social media shares, and policy citations—at the keyword level. By examining how specific terms and topics perform across these indicators, participants will gain insights into:

• How citation and altmetric trends differ across scientific themes
• Which research topics attract the most attention in academic and public spheres
• How knowledge structures form through keyword co-occurrence networks weighted by altmetric data

The University of Turku team will present a specialized program that builds overlay maps of scientific domains, visualizing how keywords interact and influence one another based on their altmetric weight. These maps reveal patterns of dissemination and interest across the research landscape.

Attendees will walk through the methodology, explore key findings, and discover how visualization tools can enhance their understanding of research impact beyond conventional metrics. This session is especially valuable for researchers, librarians, and science communication professionals looking to expand their impact assessment toolbox.

Don’t miss this chance to explore how keyword-level analysis is reshaping how we understand the influence of research in the digital age.

On April 10, 2025, the PathOS training series continues with a timely and insightful webinar titled “Cost Benefit Analysis Framework for Open Science”, offering researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders a closer look at how we can evaluate the true value of Open Science.

Led by Jessica Catalano from CSIL, this session will introduce participants to the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework as a tool to quantify the impacts of Open Science practices. The webinar will delve into how the CBA approach compares different scenarios — with and without Open Science implementation — to assess both the benefits and costs involved.

Participants can expect a detailed overview of the core components of the CBA framework, along with real-world applications that highlight its relevance in current Open Science initiatives. The session also aims to shed light on the practical challenges of conducting comprehensive CBAs and their significance in shaping evidence-based policies for the future.

The event will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on policy implications and potential directions for future research, followed by a live Q&A where attendees can engage directly with the speaker.

This session promises to be a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in understanding how we can effectively measure the societal and scientific returns of Open Science.

Please note: The session will be recorded, and by registering, participants agree to the recording being shared via the organiser’s official channels.

April 10, 2025 – 12:00 PM (Online Session)

On April 10, 2025, the global Open Science community is invited to an engaging and insightful session featuring Bénédicte Kuntziger, Support, Trainer, and Community Engagement Lead at HAL, the French national open archive. The event will offer a unique perspective on how HAL fits within the global Open Science movement, with a special focus on its relevance and opportunities for African researchers and institutions.

Bénédicte Kuntziger will provide an in-depth overview of HAL’s multifunctional platform, highlighting how it serves researchers, research communities, and institutions through robust services and functionalities. Participants will learn about the key drivers behind HAL’s growth, the user-friendly pathways to access its rich content, and how it actively contributes to advancing Open Science values across linguistic and geographic boundaries.

A notable focus of the session will be on HAL’s role in bridging anglophone and francophone research communities, enhancing knowledge sharing and collaboration between Europe and Africa. Attendees will also explore HAL’s interoperability, enabling seamless integration with other repository systems, and its collections most relevant to African scholars.

This webinar is a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in inclusive, multilingual, and sustainable Open Science infrastructure, especially as it relates to strengthening African research ecosystems.

🔗 Click here to register!

Unlocking the Future of Open Access Publishing

Norwegian institutions are invited to an exclusive webinar exploring the renewed partnership between Frontiers and Sikt, designed to enhance institutional support for researchers and streamline the open access publishing process. This collaboration ensures seamless access to high-quality, peer-reviewed research while strengthening global visibility and compliance with open access mandates.

Why Attend?

This webinar offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of open access publishing and how institutions can benefit from the Frontiers-Sikt partnership. Key topics include:

• Enhancing Open Access Publishing – Learn how the collaboration supports institutional goals and provides sustainable funding workflows.
• Upholding Quality & Research Integrity – Discover how Frontiers maintains the highest quality assurance at every stage of publishing, from manuscript submission to final publication.
• AI & the Future of Peer Review – Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the peer review process, improving efficiency, and ensuring research integrity.
• Collaborative Publishing Efforts – Understand the role of editors, reviewers, and authors in safeguarding the credibility and impact of published research.
• Transparent & Ethical Publishing – Gain insights into Frontiers’ rigorous evaluation framework, ensuring ethical and transparent research dissemination.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

✔ Library directors and open access professionals
✔ University administrators, department heads, and research coordinators
✔ Policymakers and funding bodies supporting Norwegian research

Meet the Speakers

• Dr. Eva Guiducci – Institutional Partnerships Account Development Manager
• Lindsey Stillword – Institutional Partnerships Account Development Specialist
• Dr. Anke Beck – Head of Public Affairs, Europe

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 26
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM GMT+1
📍 Location: Online

Join for this insightful discussion on open access publishing and discover how your institution can maximize its research impact. Register today!

The SECURE project is hosting a series of webinars and an interactive consultation session to present its key findings and engage with research support professionals. These sessions will introduce the Research Career Framework (RCF) and Tenure Track-like (TTL) Models, aimed at improving research career pathways and addressing precarity in the sector.

Webinars: Introduction to Key SECURE Results

What to Expect

These 1-hour information sessions will cover:

• Research Career Framework (RCF): A structured approach for research-performing and funding organizations to enhance research careers.
• Tenure Track-like (TTL) Models: SECURE’s guiding principles for tenure track systems, including national case studies.

Who Should Attend?

• EURAXESS staff
• Research support staff at research institutions
• Research managers

Webinar Schedule

• 19 March 2025, 13:00 – 14:00 CET (Register Here)
• 28 March 2025, 15:00 – 16:00 CET (Register Here)

Agenda

• Presentation of the SECURE Research Career Framework
• Overview of the SECURE Tenure Track-like Models
• Good practices from SECURE implementing partners
• Q&A and discussion

Consultation for EURAXESS Bridgeheads

What to Expect

This 2-hour interactive session will allow EURAXESS Bridgehead Organisations (BHOs) to explore SECURE’s key results and provide feedback on the relevance and applicability of the RCF and TTL Models in their work.

Who Should Attend?

• EURAXESS Bridgehead Organisations

Session Details

• 26 March 2025, 11:00 – 13:00 CET

Agenda

• Presentation of the SECURE Research Career Framework
• Presentation of the SECURE Tenure Track-like Models
• Interactive exercise on priority setting and institutional preferences
• Good practices from SECURE implementing partners
• Q&A and discussion

Why Participate?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Gain insights into SECURE’s research career solutions
• Engage with experts and peers
• Contribute to shaping better research careers across Europe

Don’t miss out — register today and be part of the conversation!

Research is evolving rapidly, and those supporting it must stay ahead of the curve. OpenAIRE’s 7th Open Science Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp is designed to equip trainers with the latest knowledge and skills in Open Science, empowering them to guide researchers and students toward a more open, transparent, and accessible research ecosystem.

Why Join?

This intensive five-day bootcamp provides an in-depth understanding of:
✅ Open Science, Open Data, and Data Management Plans (DMPs)
✅ Open Access publishing and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
✅ Horizon Europe requirements and OpenAIRE services
✅ The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)
✅ Tools and software supporting Open Science best practices
✅ Handling challenging questions, including AI-related concerns
✅ Effective communication and teaching strategies for Open Science

Engaging and Interactive Learning

The bootcamp offers a dynamic experience, combining live interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on assignments. Participants will hear from experts, collaborate in breakout sessions, and build lasting connections through OpenPlato, a dedicated learning platform.

Who Should Apply?

📌 Librarians, data stewards, research support staff, or any professionals planning to train others in Open Science.
📌 Intermediate-level knowledge required—basic familiarity with research data management and Open Access publishing is expected.
📌 Open to applicants worldwide, though some topics will focus on European frameworks.
📌 Only 20 participants will be selected.

Your Commitment

🎯 The course is free, but participants must commit to:
🕙 3-hour live sessions each morning (10:00–13:00 CEST).
📚 2-3 hours of self-study and group collaboration in the afternoon.
📢 Conducting at least one Open Science training session within a year.

How to Apply?

Selection is based on:
🔹 Motivation and potential to conduct Open Science training (50%)
🔹 Previous experience as a trainer in Open Science topics (50%)

Applicants must answer four key questions on their experience, motivation, and training plans. Applications will be pseudonymized for fair review.

Key Dates

📅 Application Deadline: 16 March 2025 (23:59 CEST)
📅 Results Announcement: 28 March 2025
📅 Bootcamp Dates: 19–23 May 2025

This bootcamp is held twice a year—if not selected, you can apply for future sessions!

📢 Apply now and take your Open Science training to the next level!
[APPLY HERE]

The European projects Skills4EOSC and ATRIUM are hosting a webinar on Friday, March 14, 2025, to introduce the FAIR-by-Design Methodology for training materials.

What to Expect

Hosted by Sonja Filiposka, this session will present a six-stage workflow to ensure training materials adhere to the FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is ideal for researchers and educators looking to:

• Apply best practices for developing FAIR learning materials.
• Utilize metadata schemas for training materials.
• Improve the quality and impact of their learning resources.
• Publish materials in repositories and training catalogues.

How to Join

Participation is free, but registration is required. Register here to receive meeting details.

Today, the GraspOS Community of Practice held an online event from 10:00 to 11:30 CET, focusing on the role of context in Responsible Research Assessment. The session was chaired by Clifford Tatum from CWTS/GraspOS and included presentations by Laura Himanen from CSC/GraspOS. A panel discussion featured diverse perspectives from Karen Stroobants (CoARA), Gareth O’Neill (Technopolis Group/OPUS), James Morris (Science Europe), and Sarah de Rijcke (Leiden University).

Introduction and Observations

The event began with Clifford Tatum introducing the role and implications of context in research assessment. He emphasized the need for assessment practices to respect the variety of scientific disciplines and research types, acknowledging the importance of multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches. Laura Himanen presented the observed diversity in the GraspOS pilots, highlighting how these pilots initially classified by type offered little practical value due to their diverse contexts. This realization led to a focus on how contextual factors shape research assessment reforms.

Panel Discussion

The panel discussion explored diverse approaches to research assessment and their implications for reform. Karen Stroobants introduced the call for assessment reform that emphasizes being “as aligned as possible, but as diverse as necessary,” reflecting on the motivation behind this principle. Gareth O’Neill shared observations on the role of context and comparability in relation to OPUS pilots, focusing on how these elements are crucial for evaluating researchers based on the diversity of their contributions and incentivizing Open Science practices.

James Morris provided an RFO perspective on context and comparability in assessing grant proposals, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in implementing these principles in funding decisions. Sarah de Rijcke offered an RPO perspective, discussing how research assessment should be conducted commensurately to the specific nature of scientific disciplines and research missions.

What has been presented from the OPUS project

Gareth O’Neill, a member of the OPUS team and Principal Consultant on Open Science at Technopolis Group, presented the OPUS project. The OPUS project is designed to reform the assessment of research and researchers by developing coordination and support measures that incentivize and reward Open Science practices. At its core, OPUS aims to create a comprehensive set of indicators for research performing organizations (RPOs) and research funding organizations (RFOs), applicable across countries, disciplines, and organizations.

OPUS combines both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, focusing primarily on the assessment of researchers and their projects. It covers the full spectrum of activities conducted by researchers, offering both generic and specific frameworks to assess researcher activities, including Open Science activities. The project distinguishes between processes, outputs, and outcomes in assessment, phrasing indicators to guide implementation while allowing flexibility. Ultimately, the selection, refinement, and prioritization of indicators are left to RPOs/RFOs.

The OPUS project involves several pilot organizations, including Nova University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, University of Rijeka, and others. These pilots aim to evaluate researchers based on the diversity of their contributions and incentivize Open Science practices. For instance, Nova University of Lisbon is focusing on the Global Health and Tropical Medicine Research Centre and the Information Management Research Centre, while the University of Cyprus is working with the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence.

Brief Overview of GraspOS and GraspOS Community

The GraspOS project supports emerging policy reforms towards an Open Science-aware Responsible Research Assessment system by developing and operating an open and trusted federated infrastructure for next-generation research metrics. The GraspOS Community of Practice facilitates discussions and collaborations among stakeholders to advance these goals.

In summary, the GraspOS project and community focus on reforming research assessment to align with Open Science principles, while the GraspOS Community of Practice provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and implement these reforms.

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The European Rights Retention Community of Practice will hold its third meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 12:00 CET, organized by SPARC Europe under the Retain project as part of the Knowledge Rights 21 program.

This session will focus on Researcher Advocacy, bringing together experts from Italy and the UK to share their experiences in promoting rights retention among researchers.

Speakers & Key Topics

• Silvana Mangiaracina & Stefania Marzocchi (Copyright Law and Access to Knowledge Policies Group – CLAKP)
  • Advocacy efforts for rights retention in support of Italian researchers.
• Stephen Eglen (University of Cambridge)
  • Raising awareness among researchers.
  • Cambridge’s policy development approach.
  • Strategies to engage faculty and senior leadership.

The event offers expert-backed insights and practical guidance for those seeking to engage researchers in their communities. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.

Who should attend?

• Academic institution staff
• Funders
• Open Science policymakers

Join the discussion and contribute to advancing researcher advocacy in rights retention.