Good research is reproducible, transparent, collaborative, and impactful. The values and practices of Open Research are a necessary first step along the path to these outcomes. These include an array of principles, including Open Access publication (ensuring that research outputs are freely available to all), FAIR principles of data management (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reproducibility) and their partner CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics), but also a range of other categories (such as participatory research and citizen science) that increase the openness of research. UNESCO’s “Open Science” report offers a fantastic introduction to Open Research generally: View UNESCO’s Guidance on Open Science
The Open Research team, based in the Library, are working to facilitate the University’s transition towards a more open research culture in Edinburgh. As part of these efforts, the team host the annual Edinburgh Open Research Conference – a fantastic opportunity for advocates and newcomers alike to network and discuss the way forward in open research.
This year the conference brings together a diverse group to discuss the question, “what’s stopping us?”. The virtues of Open Research in all its forms are increasingly well recognised. Major organisations and funders such as Wellcome, UKRI, UNESCO and the EU are committed to opening up research, and frequently incorporate procedures and incentives into their funding calls and policies. At a grassroots level, word is growing too – with Early Career Researchers taking up the mantle (such as with our local ReproducibiliTea and EORI groups undertaking excellent work within the University).
Yet, despite all of this, Open Research is still not the “norm”; with its adoption being piecemeal and slow. And so, we ask – what’s stopping us? What are the barriers and challenges that are slowing progress, and how can we can navigate them?
Our fantastic speakers will be speaking on a range of topics, from lived experience of working to positively change research culture as a postdoc, through to discussions relating to positive shifts in policy and procedures.
Everyone is welcome to join us in person or online on Wednesday 4th of June.
Find out more & register for the conference:Register to attend in person | Register to watch the talks online | View the conference programme
And of course, if you’re interested in learning more about Open Research or are in search of support, remember that the Library Research Support teams are here to help.
For information relating to open access publication:
Learn more about the Publications Team & Publishing Open Access | Explore the Edinburgh Diamond platform, and how to freely publish with Diamond books or journals
For support in making your data follow the FAIR and CARE principles:
Learn more about the Research Data Service | Find out about Research Data Training & Skills Development
For information about participatory research & citizen science, and opportunities to find peer-to-peer support:
Outwith: Participatory Research and the Library | Join the Participatory Research Network