European Union open science

Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)

Status: CoARA is in its very early stages, however, signatories (which includes DTU) have agreed to evaluate and revise how they assess research, and it is a very important and major change.

Summary: The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) was established to reform research assessment practices. Launched in December 2022, CoARA unites a diverse group of organizations, including universities, research institutions, authorities, evaluation agencies, and funding agencies, to work towards systemic reform based on shared principles and commitments. The coalition aims to recognize a variety of research outputs and activities, emphasizing quality and impact, and supports the implementation of new evaluation criteria and tools by its members. Over 723 organizations have signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment as a prerequisite to joining this global coalition.

In DK, CoARA has been signed by the Velux Fonden, Villum Fonden, DTU, IT University of Copenhagen, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, University of Southern Denmark, Lundbeck Foundation, Independent Research Fund Denmark, and The Danish National Research Foundation (Signatories - CoARA).

Contact: info@coara.eu

Open Data Directive

Status: Entered into force on July 16, 2019

Summary: The EU Directive on open data and the reuse of public sector information, Directive (EU) 2019/1024, aims to establish a common legal framework for the reuse of public sector information across Europe. It focuses on making data held by public sector bodies more accessible and reusable, both for commercial and non-commercial purposes. The directive emphasizes the use of open data, which should be available in open formats that are machine-readable and easy to find and use. It also addresses the need for real-time access to dynamic data and the importance of making publicly funded research data openly available, adhering to the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable). The directive is part of a broader EU strategy to enhance the data economy and stimulate digital innovation, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence.

Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/psi-open-data

FAIR-IMPACT

Status: Started June 2022

Summary: FAIR-IMPACT is a project aimed at enhancing the implementation of FAIR data principles across various scientific domains within the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). It focuses on establishing practices, policies, tools, and technical specifications to guide stakeholders like researchers, repository managers, and policy makers towards a FAIR data management cycle. The project emphasizes the importance of persistent identifiers (PIDs), metadata, ontologies, metrics, certification, and interoperability, with real-life use cases in domains such as social sciences, photon and neutron sciences, life sciences, and agri-food. FAIR-IMPACT also facilitates open calls to provide financial support and adoption assistance for around 50 organizations, promoting the widespread use of FAIR data principles and practices.

Contact: https://fair-impact.eu/contact

Source: https://fair-impact.eu/

Tackling R&I foreign interference

Status: Published 2022

Summary: With regard to Open Science, the publication emphasizes the importance of cautious handling of research data sets to prevent foreign interference in the context of Open Science policies. Data should be carefully curated and released with proper metadata, highlighting the distinction between open data and FAIR data sets. FAIR data follows specific principles to enhance its usability and accessibility while maintaining privacy. The need for common standards for opening data is stressed, along with promoting international initiatives for data sharing. The document suggests that institutions may need to implement procedures to address foreign interference, akin to protocols for research ethics and integrity.

Contact: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (European Commission)

Source: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-law-and-publications/publication-detail/-/publication/3faf52e8-79a2-11ec-9136-01aa75ed71a1

Analysis of current and publicly available documents on securing international science cooperation

Mandate from the European Commission

Status: Completed March 2021

Summary: The analysis is a comprehensive work that aims to guide and improve international research and innovation cooperation. It is divided into two parts: the first part is an annotated collection of checklists and guidelines for international science and technology cooperation, providing a detailed analysis of 26 documents with summaries and profiles. The second part consists of meta-guidelines that support safe and successful international science and technology cooperation. This analysis is particularly useful for European entities such as universities and research organizations, offering them a structured overview of existing guidelines, which range from general advice to detailed instructions, and address various aspects of international cooperation, including Open Science and country-specific considerations. The document serves as a valuable resource for individuals and institutions seeking to navigate the complexities of international science and technology partnerships.

Contact: EU Research and Innovation Knowledge Network on China

Source: https://www.kooperation-international.de/fileadmin/user_upload/GuidelinesAnalysis-2021.pdf

WHITE PAPER: On options for enhancing support for research and development involving technologies with dual-use potential

Status: Commission adoption, closed for feedback April 30, 2024

Summary: The White Paper launches a public consultation on EU-level R&D support for dual-use technologies, considering geopolitical challenges and the European Economic Security Strategy. Dual-use refers to technologies applicable for both civil and military purposes, aiming to bridge the gap between civil and defence R&D activities. The EU has initiated actions since 2021 to improve synergies between EU programs and promote an EU-wide approach for critical technologies. The document outlines three options for future support mechanisms, ranging from incremental improvements to creating a dedicated instrument for dual-use R&D.

The current EU framework emphasizes an exclusive focus on civil applications in R&D, potentially limiting the integration of dual-use technologies in open science initiatives. There is a need to explore how dual-use technologies can be incorporated into open science, considering their potential for both civil and military applications. The integration of dual-use technologies in open science must address security requirements and the protection of sensitive information. Any efforts to include dual-use technologies in open science must align with EU policies and strategies, ensuring economic security and competitiveness.

Over 241 feedback submissions were received. Notably from:

• VLIR: The Flemish universities share a preference for Option 1 in the European Commission’s White Paper on dual-use research. VLIR acknowledges the need for EU’s strategic autonomy and the role of research institutes in enhancing security and requests further clarification on funding synergies, clear communication on opportunities, and guidelines for dual-use technology development. They highlight the risks of Option 2, such as undermining international collaboration and shifting focus from fundamental to applied research. VLIR also notes the potential negative impact on the framework program’s perception and the need for adaptability to geopolitical changes. Option 1 is favoured as it avoids these risks and maintains a focus on civil applications while allowing for military development under specific conditions. (https://vlir.be/nieuws/vlir-position-on-ec-white-paper-on-options-for-dual-use-research/)
• Netherlands House for Education and Research (Neth-ER): Neth-ER emphasizes the lack of sufficient information in the White Paper to make a conclusive decision on the support options for dual-use technology R&D. Due to the complexity of existing frameworks and the potential consequences of other options, Neth-ER leans towards Option 1, which supports open transnational research and maintains the freedom of fundamental research without limitations. There are concerns about the tensions and misalignment between military-focused and civil-focused research within the Framework Programme. Neth-ER advocates for additional discussions with all relevant stakeholders of Horizon Europe to thoroughly evaluate the implications of each option. (https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14060-RD-on-dual-use-technologies-options-for-support/F3464826_en)
• German Rectors' Conference (HRK): The HRK expresses concerns about the European Commission’s initiative to fund dual-use research, which could unintentionally weaken the European research landscape by introducing more bureaucracy and reducing funding for civilian basic research. It warns that such measures might limit academic freedom and international cooperation outside the EU, without any clear benefits. They advocate for maintaining the EU’s research framework program as purely civilian and suggest that enhancing defence capabilities should be pursued through separate programs. (https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14060-RD-on-dual-use-technologies-options-for-support/F3464775_en)
• EUA: The White Paper outlines three distinct options, each capable of facilitating the role of universities as both knowledge producers and adopters of solutions to major societal challenges, including security and resilience in different ways. Although the EUA closely examined the implications of these options for universities, due to the lack of impact assessments substantiating the options and their merits, they refrain from expressing a preference at this time. Several uncertainties surround dual use, leaving universities with only a limited indication of what to expect from future EU programs. EUA highlights the need for further elaboration by the Commission, particularly regarding financial implications. Questions arise about additional financing if defence applications of research fall under a dual-use instrument within the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Additionally, if a separate dual-use instrument is established, how will it compete for financing with the existing Framework Programme? Furthermore, the potential administrative burden for researchers and universities remains undetermined, as does the challenge of assessing international collaborations in line with academic values. For instance, Open Science initiatives may require stricter rules on Open Access for defence-related research results and data. The impact on research careers and their assessment also warrants further exploration. (https://eua.eu/news/1219:eua-addresses-debate-on-dual-use-technologies,-seeks-clarifications-on-policy-options.html)
• EUA Knowledge Security Working Group: Participants provided the several angles of feedback. It was noted the growing focus in Denmark on dual use and knowledge security, emphasizing the challenge of defining dual use technologies and the complexity of distinguishing civilian from military applications. Some critiqued the White Paper's limitations in offering clear options due to unclear dual use definitions and the divergence of national regulations from EU policies. The need to avoid concentrating solely on defining dual use is highlighted, suggesting a focus on demonstrating a broad range of theoretical applications instead. Different options within the White Paper are evaluated, with option 2 seen as the most innovation-friendly, particularly for universities testing military applications. The meeting also touched on Norway's approach to dual use guidelines and the potential for varied structures in dual use regulations across European countries, suggesting the need for mapping such differences.

Contact: European Commission

EU's open science policy

Status: Active

Summary: The European Union's Open Science policy is a transformative approach to scientific research, aiming to make it more accessible, transparent, and collaborative. Central to this policy is the notion of sharing knowledge promptly using digital technologies. The EU's strategy involves developing policies, initiatives, and structures to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and impact of research. Key practices include early sharing of research findings, open access to scientific publications, and adherence to FAIR principles for research output management. The policy also emphasizes the importance of public engagement and trust in science. Enablers for Open Science within the EU include incentives for adopting these practices, a supportive legislative framework, and infrastructures like the European Open Science Cloud. This policy reflects the EU's commitment to fostering an environment where scientific research and innovation can thrive openly and collaboratively, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. Open science is, for instance, a legal obligation under Horizon Europe.

Contact: European Commission

Source: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-2020-2024/our-digital-future/open-science_en

European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)

Status: The EOSC is recognised by the Council of the European Union among the actions of the policy agenda 2022-2024 of the European Research Area. The current phase of implementation will run through 2030 in the context of the EOSC European co-programmed partnership.

Summary: The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is a groundbreaking initiative by the European Union aimed at creating a federated, open multi-disciplinary environment for researchers, innovators, companies, and citizens across Europe. It facilitates the publishing, finding, and reusing of data, tools, and services for research, innovation, and educational purposes. The EOSC operates under well-defined conditions to ensure trust and safeguard the public interest, promoting the FAIR principles of data management. This initiative is recognized as a key action in the policy agenda of the European Research Area and is expected to lead to higher research productivity, new insights, and innovations, as well as improved reproducibility and trust in science. The implementation of the EOSC, which began with a prototype phase funded by the European Commission, is now transitioning to a stakeholder-driven approach with significant co-investment, aiming to develop a 'Web of FAIR Data and services' for science in Europe.

Contact: European Commission

Source: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-2020-2024/our-digital-future/open-science/european-open-science-cloud-eosc_en 

Open Research Europe

Status: Active

Summary: Open Research Europe is an innovative open access publishing platform that facilitates the rapid publication and open peer review of research stemming from Horizon 2020 funding across all subject areas. It offers a transparent and efficient publishing process, allowing researchers to publish their findings quickly, with preprints available within days of submission. The platform supports data deposition and sharing, enhancing the reproducibility and impact of research. Open Research Europe operates under a model that removes author fees, ensuring automatic compliance with open access requirements and fostering a collaborative research environment. It aims to shift research assessment towards the intrinsic value of the work rather than the publication venue, maximizing the value and impact of research for society.

Contact: European Commission

Source: https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/