Incorporating FAIR and Open Research Data Practices in Academic Rewarding Systems

This poster, presented at the NFDI4Earth Plenary 2026, addresses the critical challenge of embedding FAIR and open research data practices within academic rewarding systems. Despite widespread recognition of the value of such practices, contributions often remain underrepresented in hiring, promotion, and funding decisions. Building on the white paper "Integrating FAIR and open research data management practices in academic rewarding systems" (NFDI4Earth Deliverable D4.2.5, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20158664), the poster outlines concrete, role-specific actions for researchers to promote the adoption of FORP in research assessment.

The central message of this work is that NFDI4Earth community members, through their diverse roles, are positioned to advocate for and implement change in line with the NFDI4Earth FAIRness and Openness Commitment (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10123880). Four primary action areas are highlighted: within institutions, in academic societies, as journal editors and reviewers, and as grant application reviewers.