Understanding the Open Science requirements is essential for researchers participating in Horizon Europe. Open Science is a core principle of Horizon Europe, aimed at making research more transparent, accessible, and collaborative. This article explores the key requirements of Open Science in Horizon Europe and provides guidance on how researchers can align their projects with these standards to enhance the visibility, impact, and credibility of their work.
Embracing Open Science Practices
Open Science encompasses a range of practices designed to open up the research process and its outcomes to the wider community. More specifically, this includes open access to publications, open data, and citizen science. Horizon Europe mandates specific Open Science requirements to ensure that the knowledge generated through funded projects is freely available and reusable by others. Researchers thus must be prepared to integrate these practices into their project workflows to meet the programme’s expectations.
Open Access to Publications
One of the primary requirements of Open Science in Horizon Europe is providing open access to research publications. This means that any peer-reviewed journal articles resulting from Horizon Europe funding must be made freely accessible to the public. Researchers have basically two main routes to achieve this: the gold open access route, where publications are made immediately available online by the publisher (often involving an article processing charge), and the green open access route, where researchers deposit a copy of their manuscript in a repository, usually after an embargo period. Ensuring compliance with open access policies enhances the visibility and impact of research findings.
Managing Research Data
Open data is another critical component of Open Science in Horizon Europe. Researchers are required to make their research data as open as possible, following the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). This involves developing a data management plan (DMP) at the beginning of the project, outlining how data will be collected, stored, shared, and preserved. The DMP should address issues such as data ownership, ethical considerations, and strategies for long-term preservation. By adhering to these principles, researchers can facilitate data reuse, enhance collaboration, and contribute to the scientific community’s collective knowledge.
Engaging in Citizen Science
Citizen science is a practice where members of the general public are actively involved in scientific research. Horizon Europe encourages the inclusion of citizen science in projects to democratise science and increase public engagement. Researchers can involve citizens in various stages of their projects, from data collection and analysis to dissemination of results. Incorporating citizen science thus can provide valuable insights, improve the relevance of research, and foster greater public trust and interest in science. Researchers should plan how to integrate citizen science activities and ensure that participants are properly acknowledged for their contributions.
Sharing Research Outputs
Beyond publications and data, Horizon Europe promotes the sharing of a wide range of research outputs, including software, models, protocols, and methodologies. Researchers should make these outputs openly available through appropriate repositories or platforms. Providing open access to these resources can accelerate scientific progress, as other researchers can build upon existing work, replicate studies, or apply tools and methods in new contexts. Properly documenting and sharing research outputs also enhances transparency and reproducibility, which are fundamental principles of Open Science.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
While promoting openness, researchers must also consider ethical and legal implications related to Open Science. This includes ensuring that personal data is handled in accordance with data protection regulations and that intellectual property rights are respected. Researchers should address these issues in their data management plans and seek guidance from institutional ethics committees or legal advisors if necessary. Balancing openness with ethical and legal responsibilities is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of research.
Building Capacity and Skills
To meet the Open Science requirements of Horizon Europe, researchers may need to develop new skills and build capacity within their teams. This includes understanding best practices for data management, using open access platforms, and engaging with citizen scientists. Institutions can support researchers by providing training and resources on Open Science practices. Collaborative efforts and sharing of expertise can also help build a culture of openness and innovation within the research community.
Monitoring and Reporting
Horizon Europe requires researchers to monitor and report on their compliance with Open Science requirements throughout the project lifecycle. This involves regularly updating data management plans, documenting open access publications, and reporting on the sharing of research outputs. Effective monitoring and reporting ensure that projects remain aligned with Horizon Europe’s Open Science objectives. Moreover, it demonstrates accountability to funders and stakeholders.
Benefits of Open Science
Adopting Open Science practices in Horizon Europe projects offers numerous benefits. Open access to publications and data can increase the visibility and impact of research. Hence, these practices attract more citations and foster collaborations. It also enhances the reproducibility and transparency of scientific work, building public trust and confidence in research. Moreover, engaging with the public through citizen science can enrich research with diverse perspectives and increase its societal relevance. Overall, Open Science contributes to a more inclusive and collaborative research environment, driving scientific and technological advancements.
In brief, understanding and implementing the Open Science requirements in Horizon Europe is essential for researchers seeking funding and aiming to maximise the impact of their work. By providing open access to publications, managing research data according to FAIR principles, engaging in citizen science, sharing a wide range of research outputs, and considering ethical and legal implications, researchers can align their projects with Horizon Europe’s Open Science objectives. Building capacity and monitoring compliance will further ensure that research is transparent, accessible, and beneficial to the wider community. Embracing Open Science not only meets funding requirements but also enhances the overall quality and impact of research, contributing to a more open and collaborative scientific landscape.
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