Abstract

The CoARA Working Group "Towards Open Infrastructures for Responsible Research Assessment" is committed to promoting sustainable and community-governed Open Infrastructures (OI) that embody principles of transparency, equity, and accountability. This presentation highlights the essential role of research managers and administrators in the governance and sustainability of OI, which are essential to advancing responsible research assessment (RRA) with evolving scholarly needs.
By engaging research support professionals, the presentation aims to elucidate the strategic importance of non-commercial, community-driven OI in mitigating reliance on proprietary platforms, operating through opacity. This contribution aspires to empower stakeholders to take on leadership roles in the governance and operationalization of OI that align with ethical norms and best practices, fostering a more equitable and transparent research ecosystem. Furthermore, this session will explore how inclusive community governance models can effectively integrate the voices of diverse stakeholders—including researchers, publishers, institutions, and others—through participatory practices. These models ensure that OI reflects the collective values and objectives of the research community, fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable research infrastructure.
Through interactive case studies and discussions, the presentation will provide participants with practical insights into the stewardship of data and metadata, highlighting compliance with the FAIR principles and the implementation of best practices in data curation. These activities will focus on how research managers and administrators can actively foster participatory governance frameworks that promote transparency and inclusivity in the management of OI.
The discussion will also address the socio-technical, financial, and ethical complexities of maintaining sustainable OI. Particular attention will be given to the role of research managers in identifying diverse funding sources, advocating for institutional support, and developing financial models that ensure the resilience and independence of OI from commercial influences.
Ultimately, this contribution aims to equip participants with actionable strategies for advancing RRA and sustaining community-governed OI, positioning them as key actors in shaping the future of open and responsible scholarly infrastructures.