Abstract

At Hasselt University, Research Management Administrators foster the translation of Open Science policies into actionable research practices. While researchers may incorporate Open Science principles such as transparency, accessibility, and ethical conduct into their work, they often struggle to effectively communicate these practices in research proposals, data management plans, or their research outputs. In addition, research managers can assess the often minimal efforts required to implement various Open Science practices throughout a research project while recognizing the significant increase in visibility and impact these practices can offer researchers. By strategically integrating these elements, researchers not only enhance the transparency and accessibility of their work but also position themselves for greater recognition and engagement within the academic and broader communities.

When engaging with researchers about Open Science, it can feel as though we are "lost in translation." However, when researchers describe their daily work, it often aligns with Open Science principles more than they realize. As a research manager, I frequently remind researchers, "You are already doing this—it is just a matter of branding." The challenge is helping them recognize how their current practices reflect the principles of Open Science and guiding them in effectively communicating this to funders and stakeholders.

We will discuss a case from educational sciences that demonstrates how Research Managers can facilitate the translation of Open Science policies into practice. Drawing from key frameworks like engaged scholarships, which fosters collaboration between researchers, students, educators, and the public, this case highlights the power of participatory methods, such as photovoice, to promote inclusivity and diverse perspectives. By involving citizens in all stages of the research process, this approach enhances the relevance and generalizability of outcomes, addressing societal challenges in a more inclusive and impactful way. Though these methods are inclusive research practices by nature and thus facilitate Open Science, these are not always perceived as such or as high quality research practices by reviewers.

Through this discussion, we want to gain a deeper understanding of the different views from different stakeholders involved in the research lifecycle. Ultimately, resulting in better guidance for researchers to embody more inclusive, open, and impactful research practices.