Researchers
About
The T4EU Open Science (OS) programme provides a comprehensive learning pathway for researchers to develop practical skills in Open Science practices, data management, and policy frameworks, aiming to foster transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in research.
The following online Open Science courses for researchers will be carried out between February and March 2026:
Organizer: University of Alicante
Instructor: Mario Guillo.
Description of the course: Open Science represents a transformative paradigm in how research is done, shared, and evaluated: one that emphasizes transparency, accessibility, reproducibility, and the democratization of knowledge. This module introduces participants to the philosophical underpinnings, policies, tools, and practical skills of Open Science. Learners will explore concrete practices for data sharing, open software, open access publishing, pre-registration, reproducibility, and incentives & evaluation systems. The module also addresses challenges (ethical, institutional, cultural) and helps students apply Open Science practices in their own disciplines or projects. By the end, participants will be equipped to critically engage with Open Science debates, adopt best practices in their workflows, and contribute to a more open, equitable research ecosystem.
Organizer: Vytautas Magnus University
Instructor: Saulė Milčiuvienė.
Description of the course: In this module, we will examine metadata—structured information that describes, explains, locates, and facilitates the management of other data—and identifiers, which are unique, persistent labels that anchor and distinguish resources. Metadata takes several forms: Descriptive, such as titles, authors, and keywords, which support discovery and identification; Structural, which defines how complex objects are organized—for instance, linking chapters or sections; Administrative, which oversees resource provenance, creation, permissions, and preservation. Identifiers—such as DOIs and ORCIDs—provide persistent, language-neutral references to digital objects or individuals, ensuring reliable access, integrity, and interoperability across systems.
Organizer: University of Primorska.
Instructors: Ana Slavec.
Description of the course: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of research data management, with a particular focus on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles and the development of effective Data Management Plans (DMPs). Participants will explore the full research data lifecycle, from creation and processing to sharing and preservation, while gaining insights into the strategic importance of data in the scientific process. Through practical exercises and tool-based learning, students will acquire the skills to design and implement robust DMPs that align with institutional and funder requirements. Emphasis will be placed on applying FAIR principles to enhance data discoverability and reuse, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration in research. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to critically assess data sharing challenges and leverage opportunities for responsible and impactful data stewardship.
Organizer: University of Trieste
Instructor: Daniele Albrizio.
Description of the course: This webinar explores how open source and free (libre) software reshape digital innovation and autonomy. It covers economic foundations of open licensing opposed to the risks of vendor lock-in, and the freedoms to use, share, study, and modify code. Through real world examples participants will understand how open models foster transparency, interoperability, and sustainable development supported by communities, academia, public institutions and even private companies that regularly leverage on proprietary licenses.
Organizer: University of Trieste
Instructor: Stefano Martellos
Description of the course: Introduction to Citizen Science. Definition and history. Examples of citizen science projects across disciplines. Benefits and Challenges. Scientific, societal, and educational impacts Ethical considerations and data quality concerns. How to Participate. Platforms and tools for citizen science. Steps to contribute meaningfully. Case Studies Discussion.
Organizer: Vytautas Magnus University
Instructors: Saulė Milčiuvienė and Rūta Petrauskaitė.
Description of the course: In this module the document and its guiding principles will be presented and discussed from several perspectives, mostly relevant for T4EU members institutional or joint research such as Transparency, scrutiny, critique and reproducibility, Flexibility and Sustainability. A focus on research data: their acquisition, management and FAIRness. A special attention will be given to the legal perspective and involvement of non-profesional data collectors.
Organizer: University of Jean Monnet
Instructor: Filippo A. E. Nuccio.
Description of the course: In this module we will see what recommendations concerning Open Access are proposed by the European Union and what obligations and rights are in force for everybody who obtains an ERC grant. We’ll see how to help researcher comply with these obligations and how to avoid typical traps that might cause friction between PI’s and publishing houses.
Organizer: University of Jean Monnet
Instructor: Filippo A. E. Nuccio.
Description of the course: In this module we will detail what the main publishing models for scientific articles (Green, Gold, Diamond, Bronze…) and what are the different Creative Commons Licences that can be enforced by authors.
Organizer: University of Trieste
Instructor: Jordan Piščanc and Davide Franch.
Description of the course: In this module we will detail the main Open solutions for IT Infrastrucutres that support archiving all OpenScience “products”: starting from Projects, DMP, DataSets but also Publication. The main focus will be on Open Infrastucutres (as definied in the Barcelona Declaration) like: DataVerse, Invenio, DSpace, Zenodo, Argos, etc. We will explore also the integrations of the Infrastuctures with OpenAire services.
Organizer: Vytautas Magnus University
Instructors: Saulė Milčiuvienė.
Description of the course: This course critically examines personal data protection in research, emphasizing normative frameworks, legal instruments, and ethical principles. Special attention is given to GDPR, data minimization, anonymization, and consent as conditions of lawful processing. Students analyze tensions between scientific knowledge production and privacy, developing competencies for responsible, rights-based research practices.
Organizer: Saarland University
Instructors: Karolin Gieseler.
Description of the course: In this module, we will explore the why and how of preregistrations. We will briefly talk about researcher degrees of freedom and the replication crisis and how preregistrations can address threats to reproducible research. We will discuss key elements of preregistrations and how they can be implemented in different types of research.
Organizer: University of Trieste
Instructor: Stefano Martellos.
Description of the course: 1. Introduction to Open Science in Biodiversity Principles of Open Science (FAIR, open access, open methods, citizen science). The EU policy context (EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, EOSC, Open Science Policy Agenda). 2. European & Global Infrastructures European RIs: LifeWatch ERIC, DiSSCo, eLTER, EMBRC. Data infrastructures: GBIF, OBIS/EurOBIS, EMODnet Biology, Copernicus, BISE/Natura 2000. Interoperability Standards, Tools & FAIR Practices Data standards (Darwin Core, ABCD, MIxS). FAIR principles in practice. Repositories and tools (Zenodo, OpenBiodiv, Pensoft journals). 4. Citizen Science & Participation in Biodiversity research Role of citizen science in biodiversity monitoring. Platforms (iNaturalist, eBird, observation.org, EU-Citizen.Science). Data flows into GBIF and EU policy. 5. Open Publishing & Knowledge Sharing Open Research Europe and open-access publishing. Biodiversity Data Journal and data papers. Open licensing, reproducible workflows, semantic publishing.
Organizer: University of Jean Monnet
Instructor: Filippo A. E. Nuccio.
Description of the course: In this module we will focus on Open Access for the field of Mathematics. We will discuss who are the main publishers, their models, and the main Diamond Open Access alternatives available in Mathematics, with a special focus on Epijournals (aka Overlay Journals).
Organizer: Vytautas Magnus University
Instructors: Rūta Petrauskaitė.
Description of the course: The module is meant to present status quo in the field from the point of view of Open S, its developments, possibilities and limitations. A special attention will be drawn to copyright issues and compliance with the ES requirements for personal data. The problem of dealing with human- and AI made texts with be touched upon also.
Organizer: Saarland University
Instructors: Karolin Gieseler.
Description of the course: This course critically examines the development and impact of open science practices in psychology. Starting with the replication crisis and its implications for psychological research, the course provides an overview of the challenges that became apparent in the early 21st century. Then, we will explore how open science emerged as a solution to these problems, including preregistration and registered reports. Finally, we will examine the empirical evidence assessing the effectiveness of open science practices in improving research credibility and reproducibility.
Organizer: University of Primorska.
Instructors: Ana Slavec.
Description of the course: Open Science principles are increasingly shaping the way research is conducted, shared, and evaluated. Survey data, as a rich source of empirical evidence across disciplines, presents unique opportunities and challenges in this context. This presentation explores how survey data can be made more open and reusable while maintaining ethical standards and data protection. We discuss key aspects such as informed consent, anonymization techniques, metadata standards, and data documentation. Drawing on examples from recent projects, we highlight best practices for sharing survey instruments, datasets, and codebooks. The session aims to foster dialogue on balancing transparency with privacy, and to encourage researchers to adopt open science practices that enhance the reproducibility and impact of survey-based research.
Organizer: Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Instructors: Maria Perdigão and Patrícia Carvalho.
Description of the course: This course provides an introduction to Open Science practices in health research, emphasizing transparency, reproducibility, and accessibility in research. Key topics include study registration and preregistration to minimize bias, Open Access publishing to increase dissemination, and data and code sharing to enable replication and validation. Participants will also learn about preprints and registered reports, as well as educational initiatives that integrate Open Science into health research programs. Challenges such as data privacy, cultural resistance, and resource limitations are discussed, along with strategies to address them. The course highlights future directions, including the use of AI and digital tools, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By the end, participants will understand how Open Science practices can improve research quality and foster a more collaborative and transparent scientific community.
