Abstract

While Open Science has been a pivotal topic in libraries for decades, Research Management and Administration (RMA) has only recently begun to play a more prominent role in advancing the principles of Open Science. This shift is influenced by the development of policies promoting Open Science and the reform of research assessment practices. In this context, RMA professionals find themselves tasked with acquiring sufficient knowledge about Open Science to assist researchers and incorporate Open Science principles into policy development. This session aims to explore the significance of Open Science in policy-making and provide a platform for experts, enthusiasts, and individuals engaged with Open Science through their daily activities, such as funding support, to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Open Science is vital in shaping research policies due to its potential to address issues like fraudulent research, subpar research practices, and inadequate data management. These issues not only impact the quality of research but also tarnish the reputation of researchers and their affiliated institutions. Therefore, integrating Open Science into policy development becomes imperative to enhance transparency, research quality, and the overall reputation of the academic community.
This conference session seeks to extend our collaborative work and invites participants to engage in three roundtable discussions focusing on key aspects of Open Science integration in RMA:
1. Incentives and Rewards: Participants will explore practical ways to incentivize and reward researchers for embracing Open Science practices. We aim to uncover strategies that promote openness and transparency while recognizing the efforts of researchers. The aim is not to come up with new ideas, but to share approaches.
2. Collaboration between OS Experts and Research Administration: This discussion will address the importance of fostering effective collaboration between Open Science experts and research administration professionals. Participants will exchange ideas on how to bridge the gap between these two groups to achieve common goals in promoting Open Science.
3. Training and Skilling: The third roundtable will delve into the necessity of training and upskilling RMA professionals in Open Science principles. It will focus on practical steps and resources required to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate Open Science into their daily work.
Ultimately, our goal is to equip conference attendees with practical takeaways that they can implement within their respective roles. By fostering collaboration, sharing experiences, and addressing key challenges in the integration of Open Science in RMA, we aim to advance the adoption of Open Science principles across the academic landscape.

The session is hosted by two European University Networks (EUN's).
1. ENLIGHT noticed disparities in Open Science knowledge and appreciation among member universities and departments. To bridge these gaps, we conducted a survey to understand similarities and differences, leading to collaborative efforts over two years. We established an Open Science ambassador network and introduced the Open Science Award to boost researcher engagement.
2. 4EU+ European University Alliance, comprising eight universities, held workshops in 2022-2023 on legal aspects of Open Science and data management. This marked the first step towards creating a collaborative research data helpdesk involving research, IT, legal services, and the library.