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Open Science is the practice of research in such a way that others can collaborate and contribute, where research data, lab notes and other research processes are freely available, under terms that enable reuse, redistribution and reproduction of the research and its underlying data and methods.

The Open Science Monitor framework provides some indicators of openness which include but are not limited to:

  • Posting to pre-print archives.
  • Publishing in open access journals.
  • Archiving publications in repositories.
  • Developing open access journal policies as part of an editorial board.
  • Participating in open peer review.
  • Applying the FAIR Data Guidelines to ensure optimal availability of research data.
  • Development of policies, workshops or infrastructures in support of open science.
  • Establishing citizen science activities to encourage wider engagement with research.
  • Advocating for openness in data and publication sharing.

Taking steps to ensure reproducibility and transparency in research methodologies and in the generation and analysis of data. This award recognises researchers who have embraced the principles of open science in the research process and in the dissemination of their research outputs in the calendar year 2024. Nominations can be made by any UCC staff member.

Evaluation Criteria

Commitment to Open Access Publishing
  • Publishing in open access journals or platforms.
  • Archiving publications in institutional or subject-specific repositories (e.g., NORF-recommended repositories).

Pre-Print Archiving & Open Dissemination
  • Posting research outputs to pre-print archives (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv, or NORF-endorsed platforms).
  • Sharing research findings openly before formal publication.

FAIR Data Principles
  • Applying the FAIR Data Guidelines (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to ensure research data is openly available.
  • Depositing datasets in trusted repositories with appropriate metadata, licenses, and persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs).

Open Peer Review & Transparency
  • Participating in open peer review processes, where reviewers' identities and reports are openly shared.
  • Contributing to transparent editorial practices, such as open access journal policies or open review guidelines.

Advocacy & Policy Development
  • Advocating for open research principles within institutions, disciplines, or at a national/international level (e.g., through NORF, CoARA, or EU initiatives).
  • Developing or implementing policies, workshops, or infrastructures that support open research practices.

Citizen Science & Public Engagement
  • Establishing or participating in citizen science projects to encourage wider public engagement with research.
  • Communicating research openly to non-specialist audiences, in line with the EU's Open Science Agenda.

Alignment with National & International Open Research Goals
  • Demonstrating alignment with NORF's National Action Plan for open research in Ireland.
  • Contributing to EU Commission's Open Research priorities, such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) or Horizon Europe mandates.
  • Adhering to CoARA principles for responsible research assessment and open practices.

Impact & Influence
  • Demonstrated impact of open research practices on the academic community, society, or policy.
  • Influence on peers, institutions, or stakeholders to adopt open research principles.

Previous Winners

Year Awardee College/School/Department/Centre
2024 Dr Lijuan Qian School of Film, Music & Theatre
2023 The Scenario Project Department of German and Department of Theatre
2022 Professor Colm O'Dwyer School of Chemistry
2021 Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar School of Public Health
2020 Giovanni Pietro
James Louis Smith		 Department of Italian
School of English and Digital Humanities
2019 Dr Clíona O'Carroll Department of Folklore & Ethnology
2018 Professor Colm O'Dwyer School of Chemistry

Research & Innovation Awards

Gradaim Taighde agus Nuálaíocht

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