README (Please): A Small File, a Big Help When Working with Research Data
Have you ever downloaded a research dataset, opened the files and realised you had no idea what they contained or how to use them? This is where a README file comes in.
We break stereotypes about data, says Open Science Coordinator Marika Hrubá
Marika Hrubá studied Museology and Library and Information Studies and is now part of the Open Science Core Team at Masaryk University (MU). The Open Science Core Team has been operating at MU since 2020 thanks to the HR4MUNI project and aims to set up policy, infrastructure and systematic support for the development of open science. We spoke to Marika about her role in the project and the support the Open Science Core Team offers to researchers.
From who does the Open Science Core team consist of?
The team has a manager, Jiří Marek. Michal Růžička is a specialist in Open FAIR data, and Miroslav Bartošek is the original leader of the Open Science idea at Masaryk University. From the beginning of the project, a network of Open Science methodologists, mostly from MU libraries, was formed, along with an advisory board of academics.
Does your library science background help you in your current position?
I've always been drawn to the humanities and books. The great thing about library science is that part of the degree is also information science, which connects even a humanities-oriented person to the IT environment, which in retrospect I appreciate immensely because I found myself at the Institute of Computer Science and the intersection of humanities and engineering is proving to be a huge benefit.
What exactly is your role as Open Science Coordinator?
I lead a group of Open Science Methodologists, provide central Open Science support for the whole university, organise regular training sessions and run an annual Open Science workshop. My primary effort is to make the data management tasks for researchers as effortless as possible.
How do you identify the needs of the scientific community in Open Science?
Recently, Masaryk University conducted a "Data Potential Analysis at MU," where we tried to map data-productive workplaces where researchers might need more intensive support in the form of, for example, large-capacity storage, specific data formats, etc. Now we have to create a data strategy within the university, where we want to take into account, among other things, the specifics of STM and humanities. We hope that this could become an analogy for the national environment and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) initiative.
“My primary effort is to make the data management tasks for researchers as effortless as possible.”
How does the scientific community view Open Science efforts?
Often, they perceive it as an administrative burden by funding providers. We try to explain that it is a standard of modern and responsible scientific work while creating conditions that prevent researchers from seeing it as a burden.
What feedback do you have?
In recent years, the feedback has been very positive. We consult and help write Open Science sections in feasibility studies, often resulting in high scores. Researchers then see that we help them secure projects and funding. Of course, some resist putting their data into a repository because they do not trust it or do not see the difference between FAIR and Open data. This is particularly an issue in the humanities.
Why is it important to to get the data and metadata right?
Opening and properly managing your research data is beneficial because it helps not only the academic community but also the public. It is crucial for data authors to keep their data organized. For example, a persistent identifier ensures that a data set is not confused with another research project. We explain that research teams can hire a data steward, with costs covered by the project. At Masaryk University, we offer the services of Open Science methodologists, who have been trained in this area for four years and can help create a data management plan.
Does the university lack large-scale data storage?
Yes, that's where the EOSC and the National Repository Platform (NRP) project come in, creating a network of data repositories to prevent researchers from not knowing where to store their data. Discussions are ongoing about the form of repositories, whether institutional or disciplinary, and a "catch-all" repository. The final solution should be sustainable in the long term.
“Opening and properly managing your research data is beneficial because it helps not only the academic community but also the public. It is crucial for data authors to keep their data organized.”
How do you see your role in EOSC?
I work inside the university, but I am organisationally part of the EOSC Secretariat, so I link both aspects. I believe this is a win-win collaboration as I am in direct contact with both methodologists and scientists, so I can speak for the practical side of Open Science.
What brings you joy in your work?
Seeing the Open Science team become a partner for science is a significant progress from the days when no one had heard of Open Science, and researchers were skeptical. Moreover, my job involves connecting people and various university components, which I enjoy.
What are the future visions of the Open Science Core team?
We have a strategy and an action plan that we strive to fulfill. We would like to provide more intensive support for data management plans and data management, particularly in terms of personnel. Initially, we focused mainly on publishing activities and Open Access, but data management continues to grow. Our current topics include supporting Open FAIR data and Citizen Science, not just because it's a project requirement but also because this area has no established tradition in the Czech Republic.
Can you give an example of Citizen Science?
I see it as involving the broader public in research. For example, the CELSPAC population study, which has been studying human health and its influencing factors for over thirty years. Participants share information with researchers and, in return, learn something about themselves while helping to create a healthier future.
Mgr. Marika Hrubá
coordinates practical activities in the field of Open Science at the university level, namely management of the Open Science Implementation Group, coordination of Open Science project consulting support for MU, Open Access support – management of APC dashboards, ORCID. Long experience in supporting science and research in a university environment, knowledge of academic libraries, experience in education.
