Abstract

Institutional barriers and lack of engagement in research-performing organisations (RPOs) may limit the development and impact of CS initiatives. "TIME4CS" project is based on continuous mutual learning between front-runner RPOs, with established support structure and expertise for CS, and implementer RPOs (such as UniSR) that need support in their transformation through tailored roadmaps.
The starting point for UniSR's path towards CS was the creation of a de novo research organisation area dedicated to research development, with the mission to implement strategic initiatives to foster UniSR research excellence and to contribute to the internationalization and competitiveness of the University, through the integration of cross-cutting themes and RRI pillars in all research aspects. UniSR was consequently able to devote a multidisciplinary core team to TIME4CS, composed of people with different expertises, including project management, science communication, open science, and impact assessment.
After mapping the initial level of awareness of CS of UniSR researchers, a detailed communication plan was defined with initiatives aimed at increasing it, including seminars, newsletters, articles, and a repository of resources on CS. UniSR students and research support officers were also involved in these initiatives. Moreover, the core team is acting as a contact point for all stakeholders interested in CS initiatives and actively participates in ECSA groups. Of note, as a result of the actions triggered by TIME4CS several CS research projects initiatives are now emerging.