Open science and research transparency

Introduction

Key terms: mandatory topic, open science, responsible research management, research data management, publishing skills, introductory course, relevant for students in the beginning of their PhD trajectory.

ECTS: 2.5
Number of sessions: 5
Hours per session: offline 2 hrs, online 1 hr

Open science is a mandatory topic for all our PhD candidates. Read more about the mandatory topics on the main page of our course guide.

The course explains open and responsible science, which is the movement that aims to share and make academic knowledge accessible to all. This movement is actively promoted and encouraged by EUR policy.

The course provides a broad overview on the key aspects of open science and how one can actively engage in open science practices as an early career researcher. The topics covered in this course range from publishing open access to responsible data management and societal engagement.

By taking this course, PhDs will be better equipped to adhere to the new norms for open and responsible science and participate in the current dynamic academic landscape.

The class meetings comprise lectures, group discussions and exercises, which are supported by instructional videos on Canvas and by our MOOC on the topic on Coursera: A starter’s guide to Open Science.

The offline version of the course comprises five sessions of two hours of direct lectures/workshops plus one hour of self-directed work each. For the online version,  there are five sessions of one hour of lectures/workshops plus two hours of self-directed work each.

All editions will include a mix of presentations, live demonstrations, exercises and self-directed learning via our MOOC and video series. Please note that you will need a laptop in all 5 offline sessions to take notes and assignments.

Entry level and relevance

This is an introductory course. It is designed for people who have no or limited experience with Open Science practices and research transparency.

No prior knowledge or research experience is required. The course is particularly useful for researchers in the early phases (preferably the first year) of their PhD trajectory.

Relations with other courses

As a follow-up to this course, you can attend the EGSH course Prepare your publication package. The latter course offers further information about how publication packages, which consist of all data, materials and information that are needed to reproduce and assess published research results, are important within open science practice, and are therefore increasingly considered mandatory in universities.   

Sessions and preparations     

Session  1: Introduction to open science
This session introduces the foundations of the open science movement and its relevance for early-career researchers. Participants will explore the key principles of open science, including openness, accessibility, and transparency, and reflect on why these are essential for responsible and credible research. The session also provides a critical overview of the broader aims of research transparency and how these intersect with academic integrity and societal trust in science.
Preparation: Read preparatory literature and study videos from our MOOC.

Session 2: Study design and data collection
This session focuses on how open science practices can be integrated at the earliest stages of a research project. Participants will be introduced to preregistration and registered reports, and learn how to responsibly design their studies from the ground up. The session also covers essential topics such as drafting data management plans, protecting personal data, and ensuring secure storage and documentation throughout the research lifecycle.
Preparation: Read preparatory literature and study videos on Canvas module.

Session 3: Sharing your data
This session examines how research data — both quantitative and qualitative — can be shared in ways that are ethical, secure, and beneficial for researchers and the wider academic community. Participants will learn the principles of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and open data, and how responsible sharing can support transparency, reuse, and career visibility. The session includes practical guidance on uploading data and materials to the EUR Data Repository, with a focus on legal and disciplinary considerations.
Preparation: Read preparatory literature and study videos on Canvas module.

Session 4: Publishing
This session delves into the evolving world of academic publishing and the role of open access in increasing the visibility and accessibility of research. Participants will learn about different open access publishing routes, including gold, green, and diamond models, as well as how to choose appropriate open licenses. The session also addresses the basics of copyright in academic contexts, and offers guidance on how to navigate publishing requirements and rights as a PhD researcher.
Preparation: Study videos on Canvas module.

Session 5: Impact and engagement
This session explores how academic research can maximize its impact and create value within and beyond the academic world. Participants will learn about the different forms of research impact and how these are recognised and rewarded in the Netherlands, including through national initiatives such as the Recognition & Rewards programme. The session also covers strategies for making research accessible to broader audiences, including through public communication, collaboration with stakeholders, and engagement beyond traditional academic outputs.
Preparation: Read preparatory literature and study videos from our MOOC.