A New Take on Open Science Meetings: Innovative Concept from Masaryk University

This year’s edition stood out for its unique format, which can serve as inspiration for other universities and research institutions. The event model is easily transferable and allows others to organize their own activities centered around open science and FAIR data principles. Both methodological and organizational support is offered by the EOSC CZ Training Center. The event demonstrated that even a complex and practice-oriented workshop can engage a broad spectrum of participants—from researchers to data management and sharing professionals.

The workshop was held both in person and online, providing not only an overview of the latest news in open science and an introduction to EOSC CZ tools and services, but also real-world experiences from research practice. Participants learned how to effectively use FAIR data-supporting tools at their institutions, and discovered the opportunities brought by the Open Science II project—for example, the possibility to participate in so-called mini-projects. The professional program also featured a series of presentations from research practice and included a panel discussion focused on the legal aspects of open data and the role of the EOSC CZ initiative.

The meeting also featured the introduction of a new university-wide Open Science Manager at Masaryk University. The new manager, Marika Hrubá, has taken over this role from Jiří Marek, who will continue to focus on open science at both national and international levels within Masaryk University.

"This year’s edition is being organized for the first time in collaboration with the EOSC CZ Training Center, with the aim of opening a discussion on how the national EOSC CZ environment can be reflected within our university. This is the very first pilot collaboration of its kind between an institution and the national EOSC structure, and we hope it will inspire other organizations to host similar events." Commented Šárka Pospíšilová, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Studies, Masaryk University.