FOSSR: Driving Fair and Open Social Science Research

FOSSR - FOSTERING OPEN SCIENCE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH AIMS AT RAISE AWARENESS AND ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF DATA AND METHODOLOGIES WHILE PROMOTING FAIRNESS PRINCIPLES IN ITALY'S SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Integrating Renowned Research Infrastructures FOSSR collaborates with three prestigious research infrastructures - CESSDA-ERIC, SHARE-ERIC, and RISIS - to establish a framework of tools and services, amplifying the impact of Open Science in Italy's social science academic community.

CESSDA ERIC is an European consortium that brings together social science data archives to support high-quality research. The consortium provides researchers with resources, tools, and diverse datasets for conducting social science research. Italy's membership in CESSDA by 2021 strengthens collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing social sciences.

SHARE ERIC conducts the largest social science panel study in Europe, focusing on individuals aged 50+ in 27 European countries and Israel. The survey comprehensively examines economic, social, health, and well-being conditions, providing extensive data on European citizens. SHARE's data empowers policymakers to address socio-economic and public health challenges, improving the overall living situation of Europeans.

RISIS provides data and services for studying science, technology, and innovation processes in R&I policy studies. Italian nodes - EFIL, JOREP, CHEETAH, VICO - offer respectively databases on research funding, joint R&D programs, mid-sized firms, and start-ups. These resources enable the development of analytical tools to analyze research, innovation, and industry dynamics.

Advancing Open Science Practices FOSSR establishes a centralized knowledge-sharing platform and streamlined access to essential resources. Researchers and policymakers gain access to curated data and tools, fostering Open Science practices and driving impactful research outcomes.

Sustainable Infrastructure for Long-Term Impact The network of research infrastructures, connected to energy-efficient data centers through an Open Cloud, ensures lasting sustainability. With optimized workflows, efficient cooling, and remote work capabilities, FOSSR empowers researchers with ample computing resources for further research and innovation.

A new generation of Researchers By investing in skilled professionals and providing  resources, FOSSR will drive cutting-edge advancements in data science. The collaboration with universities, focused on Ph.D. positions and Master's Degrees, is reshaping social science research, addressing critical challenges, and expanding knowledge boundaries.