Embedding Open Science Across Europe
Science Europe’s October 2024 report, "Strategic Approaches to and Research Assessment of Open Science", canvassed 36 member organisations, 32 research funders, one research performer, and three hybrids, across 28 European countries. It reveals that 100% mandate open-access publishing and 95% require FAIR-aligned data management. Moreover, nearly half now integrate open-source software, stakeholder engagement, and citizen science into their strategies. Crucially, grant criteria, hiring decisions, and promotion pathways are being retooled to reward transparency, reuse, and reproducibility.
How OpenAIRE Powers These Reforms
To move from policy to practice, OpenAIRE provides:
- OpenAIRE Graph & Explore Portal
Aggregates and links 196 million+ publications, 79 million+ datasets, and 740 thousand+ software records, forming the data backbone for policy-makers. Real-time analytics allow funders and institutions to track open-access and FAIR uptake, pinpointing compliance gaps immediately.
- Driving Policy into Practice
Our suite of services converts high-level open-science and assessment principles into deployable workflows, enabling institutions to move from strategy to action without delay.
- National Open Access Desks (NOADs)
A network of 53 specialists delivering localized policy guidance, hands-on training, and help-desk support—bridging European mandates with national realities.
- Capacity Building & Training
Through NOADs and targeted workshops, we equip research officers, librarians, and policymakers with the expertise to implement open-science policies, manage FAIR data, and leverage OpenAIRE’s services effectively.
ARGOS Data-Management Planning - Good Practice Spotlight at the Science Europe report
Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) embeds FAIR-data criteria into its grant applications and empowers applicants with ARGOS, OpenAIRE’s open, web-based data-management planning platform. ARGOS operationalizes Science Europe’s core DMP template, providing structured forms, inline guidance, and automated FAIR-compliance checks, so every proposal aligns seamlessly with international RDM and FAIR standards .
OpenAIRE’s Leadership & Commitments
- Co-Chairing CoARA OI4RRA WG
Within the CoARA WG ‘’Towards Open Infrastructures for Responsible Research Assessment’’ we co-produced the Framework and Principles for Open Infrastructures fit for RRA, a Full stack Conceptual Architecture as well as policy briefs for research performing and research funding organizations. More to come, so stay tuned!
Innovating Evaluation: The Researcher Profile
In collaboration with the EU-funded GraspOS project, OpenAIRE co-designing a next-generation Researcher Profile. Blending quantitative indicators (publications, datasets, software citations) with narrative CV elements (public engagement, citizen-science contributions), it broadens how we recognize researcher impact, fully aligned with CoARA’s reform agenda.
Looking Ahead
Science Europe has set the direction; OpenAIRE provides the vehicle. With our community-governed infrastructure, comprehensive services, including ARGOS, and our forthcoming Researcher Profile, we stand ready to help institutions embed openness and responsible assessment into everyday practice. Together, with Science Europe, CoARA, just to name some crucial stakeholders, and our vibrant community, we are forging a research-assessment culture defined by transparency, rigor, and real-world impact.
Stay connected: Explore the full Science Europe report here, discover OpenAIRE’s services here and join us in driving the future of open science and responsible research assessment!
