Open Science Policy & Support @ Uantwerpen

Over the past years, the University of Antwerp has made significant strides in advancing Open Science. By expanding both our infrastructure and the team supporting these efforts, we’ve been able to roll out new initiatives and policies, including the launch of a university-wide RDM policy.

A key focus has been building awareness and capacity through multiday courses for doctoral students on topics like FAIR data and Data Management Plans, alongside information sessions for new doctoral researchers, Open Science webinars open to all staff and researchers, and advisory sessions tailored to our AUHA association partners (Karel de Grote Hogeschool, AP Hogeschool, Antwerp Maritime Academy). We’ve also brought researchers together in a Workshop on Open Data for discussions on practices and challenges, sparking cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, we developed a domain-specific DMP to support researchers in the arts, addressing their unique needs.

Our Open Science Commission, with representatives from all faculties, ensures that Open Science remains a priority in institutional decision-making. Internationally, we’ve worked with partners in YUFE and YERUN to promote Open Science, contributing to initiatives like the YUFE Open Science Programme and the creation of a tailored DMP for the YUFE4PostDoc cohorts.

Open Access has also been a strong focus, with resources like FAQs, knowledge clips, and an annual Open Access Week that combines webinars, workshops, and talks across the university.

Our poster illustrates how these initiatives are embedding Open Science into our academic culture, supporting researchers at all stages, and building connections both within and outside our university.