New Training Standing Committee Chair Feature – Meet Helen Clare

• What inspired you to take on the role of Chair of the OpenAIRE Standing Committee on Training, and how do you see this committee contributing to OpenAIRE's broader mission & Strategic priorities around OS Training?
  

I've been the co-chair of the OpenAIRE Open Science Training Coordinators' Community of Practice for the last four years and I've always found it to be one of the most rewarding and useful meetings I attend. I've followed OpenAIRE's training activities for a number of years, working with partners on projects, particularly in the European Open Science Cloud. OpenAIRE plays a key role in supporting open science training and I would like to help develop that role.

• OpenAIRE has a rich legacy in training and community engagement. What are your thoughts on the evolving role of training in today's Open Science landscape, especially with the growing complexity of EOSC and institutional needs? e.g. special reference to the value that Train-the-Trainer Bootcamps bring. 
  

Open science is becoming increasingly embedded in research activities, but there is still a long way to go to ensure researchers, and others working in the research environment, feel confident in the decisions they make and have the appropriate knowledge and skills. Rewards, recognition and career paths still need development, especially around new roles such as data stewardship. Many of those involved in supporting others to practice open science are new to the role themselves, which is where the OpenAIRE Train the Trainer bootcamp can provide excellent support, providing a good grounding in what's needed and connecting with other trainers.

• You've worked across a range of initiatives, from Jisc to UK open research coalitions. How do you see OpenAIRE training/ training activities helping address gaps in OS training?
  

One of the key issues to emerge in recent years is actually the proliferation of materials to support open science training and often it is difficult to know where to start. Through initiatives like OpenPlato, which now hosts materials from the influential FOSTER project, OpenAIRE can provide a trusted source of quality material. Also, through its engagement with member countries, it can identify and address gaps in training through collaborative action.

• The Committee aims to support strategic planning and guide new initiatives like OpenPlato e-learning platform, Train-the-Trainer bootcamps, and policy-focused courses. What priorities or directions do you hope to explore in the coming months?

As mentioned, OpenAIRE has an established reputation of supporting open science training through practical initiatives meeting the needs of the community. I would like to build on this track record, continuing to develop and enhance existing initiatives, but also working on a strategic level to explore how else OpenAIRE can support training and development throughout Europe, through existing national collaboration and coordination with other relevant initiatives.

• Finally, what advice would you give to Open Science trainers or institutions across Europe looking to get involved in or benefit from OpenAIRE's training strategy and offers?

Join the Open Science Training Coordinators Community of Practice! This is one of the best ways to find out what we are doing and engage with others with common goals.

Getting to Know You

• Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I currently work as a Senior Strategy Lead in the Higher Education, International and Research Sector Strategy team at Jisc. I started my career as a librarian but quickly moved into training and joined Jisc, the UK's national research and education network. I've worked on projects in training and development in many educational and research contexts and began supporting open access and open science activities ten years ago. In the last few years, I've moved from practical involvement in skills and training towards influencing developments on a strategic level. I also recently started a PhD at CWTS Leiden, involving a comparative analysis of approaches to Open Science implementation on a national level.
In terms of personal life, I live in a beautiful part of the UK - Northumberland, which borders Scotland and was the first place the Vikings landed. I have two children, two cats and a dog and enjoy gardening, walking and trying to keep myself fit.

• How does your previous experience align with OpenAIRE's mission and goals?

I've been involved with the open 'movement' for many years, starting initially with open education, and moving into open access, data and open science more broadly. My background as a librarian means I've always been interested in ensuring knowledge is available to be shared. Working at Jisc, another infrastructure provider, provides another area of commonality.

• What is a favourite film/book or other medium quote that you would like to share with us that tells something about yourself?

A quote I first heard on the US comedy The Office was "these are the good old days" and it really resonated with me. I've since found it was the title of a song in the 1970s and now on many motivational posters! However, I do believe in trying to live in the present, not some rose-tinted past or imagined future.
Also, while I'm no philosophy scholar, the readings from Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic book start my days. I try to remember key aspects of Stoic philosophy such as controlling your perceptions, directing your actions properly and accepting what is outside of your control. I generally try to be positive and optimistic, and when there's too much to do, focus on the next step to move forward, no matter how small.

Perspectives on Open Science

• What does Open Science mean to you? Why do you think Open Science is important for the future of research?

Open science for me is fundamentally about collaboration in order to improve quality of life for everyone and everything on the planet. Open science is important to research in order to improve quality and timeliness, though through early sharing and transparency which enables rigorous practices.

• Are there any particular Open Science trends or challenges that interest you?

Aside from my interest in skills and training, I'm interested in why open science develops differently in different countries and parts of the world, which is why this is the topic of my PhD. Currently I'm noticing a shift away from openness due to concerns around national security and digital sovereignty, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Closing Notes

• As a closing note, what would you say is the one thing that you'd like people to know about you as you step into this role?
  

That I enjoy and value collaboration and would like to invite anyone to get in touch with me if they'd like to find out more about my activities or those of the OpenAIRE Training Standing committee. 


Thank you for your time Helen and congratulations on your appointment!