OPUS Tailored Action Plans to Implement Open Science in Pilots

Tailored Action Plans to Implement Open Science in Pilots

Central to OPUS project is the Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), designed to evaluate researchers’ contributions while embedding Open Science practices into research processes. Participating Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) have developed tailored action plans to test and refine the RAF, creating a framework that incentivises openness and collaboration in research.

OPUS has developed and implemented a set of Final Action Plans to drive the adoption of Open Science (OS) across diverse institutional contexts and to implement the RAF. Each plan is designed to address the unique challenges, strategic goals, and stakeholder needs of the participating Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs).

Though unified by a common framework, these action plans are tailored to ensure relevance and effectiveness. They encompass:

• Scope and Cohort Selection: RPOs often focus on specific target groups like early-career researchers, while RFOs select project-based cohorts, ensuring impact through focused implementation.
• Indicator Selection: Each institution selects appropriate indicators from the OPUS Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), such as open access publishing, FAIR data practices, or public engagement.
• Intervention Categories: Implementation strategies include the development of new policies, provision of infrastructure and resources, repository management, awareness campaigns, and dedicated training activities.
• Planning and Evaluation: Implementation includes defined milestones (at 9 and 18 months) and progress- tracking systems that support iterative learning and responsive adjustments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Researchers, institutional leaders, and support staff are actively involved to ensure a collaborative and systemic approach to OS implementation.

These tailored action plans represent a scalable model for institutional reform, making them highly transferable for adoption by other institutions seeking to embed Open Science principles in practice.