The Open Science Guide provided by the EOSC Focus project, opens an external URL in a new window covers two important topics for RPOs: the development of Open Science strategies and RDM & FAIR training. It is designed to assist the RPOs in fostering a sustainable and inclusive Open Science ecosystem within their organisation, clearly supporting the European Commission’s broader objectives for research excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The guide serves as a resource for institutions seeking to implement Open Science practices effectively and align with the evolving research landscape.

Development of RPO's Open Science Strategy

The European research landscape prioritises scientific and technological leadership driven by excellence, talent, and supportive conditions to facilitate research discoveries and innovation. Key to this is the free movement of researchers, knowledge, and technology, which ensures European competitiveness. The EOSC, opens an external URL in a new window and the EOSC EU Node, opens an external URL in a new window play a central role in advancing Open Science. These initiatives enable researchers and innovators to access and share a vast array of open, reusable, and interoperable scientific publications, data, software, tools, and services. By adhering to the FAIR principles, they foster innovation across Europe’s scientific ecosystem.

In that context, the Guide on Advancing Open Science: Development of RPO's Open Science Strategy, opens an external URL in a new window is designed as a practical tool for decision-makers to establish a robust Open Science ecosystem within their institutions adapted to different institutional contexts. Its structured yet flexible approach allows RPOs to align their strategies with internal priorities and the broader Open Science landscape. This iterative, dynamic, and adaptable process recognises the diversity of institutional structures. It encourages RPOs to adapt the OS strategy to their organisational culture and goals while ensuring coherence with global Open Science trends, including UNESCO guidelines and EOSC developments. The Guide is also informed and aligned with the broader European research policy frameworks, such as the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2022-2024, opens an external URL in a new window and the European Commission’s Proposal for ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, opens an external URL in a new window that set key actions to strengthen Europe’s research ecosystem, emphasising Open Science and EOSC particularly, knowledge circulation, and the development of a digital research infrastructure that supports collaboration and innovation across borders.

RDM & FAIR Training Framework for RPOs

The research ecosystem is undergoing a transformation driven by digital advancements, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and Open Science. Conducting excellent research requires using new research infrastructures, services, and software, as well as the adoption of new skills. This technological shift emphasises the need to recognise that, in the 21^st century, groundbreaking research is based on the interplay between technology and the expertise of the project team, including researchers, support staff, and emerging professions such as data stewards.

The Guide on Advancing Open Science: RDM & FAIR Training Framework for RPOs, opens an external URL in a new window addresses the growing need for upskilling across diverse roles within RPOs, ensuring effective engagement with Open Science and FAIR enabling infrastructures, services, and practices. It supports the RPOs in addressing training needs by providing a framework for developing targeted training programs. Training needs, naturally, vary widely depending on the various roles within the institution (administration, research support, or scientific personnel), different career stages (students, early-career researchers, senior researchers), and scientific discipline. The guide outlines the best practices for designing and implementing tailored training initiatives within the specific context of the RPOs and their organisational cultures. The Guide, inter alia, also provides useful references to best practices and implemented courses and data steward networks.

Material

• Vins, D., Pazik-Aybar, A., Sanchez Solis, B., & Galica, N. (2025). Open Science Guide: Development of RPO's Open Science Strategy. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15124402
• Sanchez Solis, B., Galica, N., Pazik-Aybar, A., & Vins, D. (2025). Open Science Guide: RDM & FAIR Training Framework for RPOs. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15124383

Contact

TU Wien
Center for Research Data Management
Favoritenstraße 16 (top floor)
1040 Vienna

research.data@tuwien.ac.at