ON-MERRIT D2.1 Dissemination and Valorisation Plan

ON-MERRIT investigates how and if current open and responsible research policies could worsen existing inequalities. The project targets an equitable scientific system that rewards based on merit rather than “cumulative advantage” (the so-called “Matthew Effect”). The concepts of Responsible Research & Innovation (RRI) and Open Science aim to shift academic culture towards transparency and participation in research processes. Yet making processes open will not per se drive re-use or participation unless also accompanied by the capacity to do so.
In this Dissemination, valorisation and participation plan, ON-MERRIT describes how the project is raising awareness about existing inequities and disseminating results on how to address them. Following a general approach of PLAN, ACT, OBSERVE and REFLECT, ON-MERRIT initiated its communication activities by identifying academic communities, researchers, funders, industry, policy-makers and the society at large as target audience. Furthermore, we selected key results to be exploited and disseminated among these groups. The results include primary evidence and their summaries of (non-) existence of Matthew Effects in RRI, as well as policy briefings and recommendations for funders and institutions.
ON-MERRIT uses formal and informal formats to disseminate results and ensure their uptake. On the one hand, the project team is publishing evidence in peer-reviewed journals, is releasing regular blog posts and has built a website. On the other hand, ON-MERRIT uses social media to interact with the community and plans to organize workshops and other activities to engage stakeholders throughout the project. The first actions included the launch of the project website, the creation of the project identity and a toolkit consisting of templates, guidelines and dissemination materials such as stickers and leaflets to support the outreach potential of each consortium partner.
ON-MERRIT agreed on a set of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as social media interaction, number of policy briefings, blog posts and publications, to measure impact and success of communication activities. The Dissemination, valorisation and participation plan and the KPIs will be reviewed twice a year to ensure that all measures contribute to successful dissemination and that actions can be adapted if necessary.