Open science case studies

A new RIN/NESTA project will look at a series case studies examining what motivates researchers to work in an open way with regard to their data.

The RIN and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) are undertaking a new collaborative research project to examine the benefits and barriers to using ‘open science’ methods. The project will identify what motivates researchers to work (or want to work) in an open manner with regard to their data, results and protocols, and whether advantages are delivered by working in this way.

Open Science broadly describes science carried out and communicated in a manner which allows others to contribute, collaborate and add to the research effort, with all kinds of data, results and protocols made freely available at different stages of the research process. Proponents of the approach argue that such collaboration will lead to more efficient research and innovation.

A report will be produced to provide researchers, research institutions and funders with a better understanding of why some researchers choose to work in this manner, the benefits that occur and the barriers that prevent others from using open science methodology.

This project will run from November 2009 to April 2010.

The RIN and NESTA have contracted the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) to undertake this project.

For more information email Ellen Collins(RIN) or Dr Rachel Brazil (NESTA)