The Data Stewards, along with the directors, team leads, and analysts from OBI and ICT, are actively engaged in the organizational structures of the Flemish Research Data Network (FRDN). Within this overarching framework, the Flemish Open Science Board (FOSB) has been established to guide the development of the Flemish Open Science policy. FOSB brings together Flemish stakeholders who share a common vision for the future of Open Science and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), facilitated by technical working groups. FOSB provides guidance on integrating Flanders into the international Open Science landscape. It monitors the progress of Open Science in Flanders using five key performance indicators (KPIs): ORCiD, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), Data Management Plans (DMPs), Open Access, and Open Data.

Hasselt University is an active member of the DMPbelgium consortium, with a steady user growth. Additionally, Hasselt University remains a dedicated member of various VLIR working groups (VLIR WG RDM&OS, O&I, and AVG). From 2020 onwards, Hasselt University is represented in the federal CIS/CfS Open Science and CIS/CfS EOSC bodies. The representation of Hasselt University is also ensured in the EOSC-A Task Force on Semantic Interoperability (member). In June 2023, Hasselt University signed the "Agreement on Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA)" and closely monitors the output of the COARA working groups through the VLIR network.

The Hasselt University Library sponsors various non-profit and community-owned Open Access initiatives. Through memberships, the library provides financial support to organizations such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB), and the OAPEN Library.

Additionally, the University Library participates in the Elektron subgroup 'Open Access,' which focuses on accurately mapping the costs of Article Processing Charges (APCs) for each institution.

What is preregistration?

Preregistration means documenting your research plan at the beginning of your study, typically before data collection or analysis begins, and storing this plan in a publicly accessible, read-only repository, eg. OSF Registries.

Why preregister?

• Enhances credibility: Preregistration separates hypothesis-generating (exploratory) from hypothesis-testing (confirmatory) research, ensuring the same data is not used for both. This prevents unintentional bias and enhances the credibility of your results.
• Improves quality and transparency: Planning your research in advance through preregistration improves the quality and transparency of your study. This clear reporting benefits others who may build on your work.
• Early claim to ideas: Preregistration allows you to stake your claim to your ideas earlier in the research process, establishing precedence.
• Better research planning: It's a straightforward way to plan for better, more robust research.
  
  

A guide to writing a preregistration

1. Choose a preregistration platform: Preregister via OSF (Open Science Framework, providing multiple options and standardised templates) or other recognized platforms (examples: AsPredicted, clinicaltrials.gov, preclinicaltrials.eu for preclinical animal studies, PROSPERO for systematic reviews (for more, see overview), etc.). Ensure you select a platform that suits your research needs and complies with your field's standards.
2. Document your research plan:
   Clearly outline your study's rationale, hypotheses, methodology, and analysis plan. This document will serve as your preregistration file.
3. Submit to OSF or selected platform:
   Upload your research plan to OSF Registries or your chosen platform. Make sure the registration is publicly accessible and read-only.
4. Add to the Document Server:
   Add the URL to your preregistered research plan to the Document Server. Select the appropriate category for preregistered research (other) and ensure all relevant information is included.
5. Link with your research project in your Academic File:
   Link your preregistration with your ongoing projects at Hasselt University.

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be.

Examples @ Hasselt University

Several preregistered research plans are included in the Document Server, eg.

• https://documentserver.uhasselt.be/handle/1942/40834
• https://documentserver.uhasselt.be/handle/1942/41739
• https://documentserver.uhasselt.be/handle/1942/41966

What are registered reports?

A registered report is similar to pre-registration in that it involves creating a detailed and specific plan for your research. However, it takes an additional step by undergoing peer review and receiving in-principle acceptance from a journal before data collection begins. It is a type of research article that undergoes peer review in two phases.

A guide to writing a registered report

1. Document your research plan:
   Clearly outline your study's rationale, hypotheses, methodology, and analysis plan. This document will serve as your preregistration file.
2. Choose a journal:
   Currently, over 300 journals use the Registered Reports format as a regular option or for special issues. Other journals offer some features of this format.
3. Phase 1: Initial peer review (pre-data collection):
   Before any data collection begins, submit a detailed research plan, including the study rationale, hypotheses, methods, and proposed analyses. This plan undergoes rigorous peer review to assess the validity and feasibility of the research design and methodology. If the plan is deemed sound, the journal grants in-principle acceptance. This means the journal commits to publishing the study regardless of the results, provided the authors follow the approved protocol.
4. Add to the Document Server:
   Add the URL to your preregistered research plan to the Document Server. Select the appropriate category for preregistered research (other) and ensure all relevant information is included.
5. Link with your research project in your Academic File:
   Link your preregistration with your ongoing projects at Hasselt University.
6. Phase 2: Final peer review (post-data collection):
   After completing the research and collecting the data, submit the final report, including results and discussion. This phase focuses on whether the study was conducted according to the pre-approved plan and whether the conclusions are supported by the data. The final paper is reviewed, and if it meets the journal's standards, it is published, ensuring that the research process and findings are transparent and robust.
   
   This two-phase review process enhances the credibility and reproducibility of scientific research by separating the evaluation of the study design from the results.

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be.

What are preprints?

Preprints are preliminary versions of research papers that are shared publicly before they have been peer-reviewed or formally published in a scientific journal. Researchers use preprints to disseminate their findings quickly, receive feedback from the community, and establish precedence for their discoveries. Preprints are usually posted on dedicated online servers and can be accessed freely by anyone. Although they have not undergone the rigorous review process typical of academic publications, they play a crucial role in accelerating the communication of new research.

The following video by ASAPbio (Accelerating Science and Publication in Biology) explains what preprints are, highlights their benefits, contrasts them with journal publications, and demonstrates how scientists can utilize both methods to share their research:

Source: Youreka Science (2016) What Are Preprints?

Why should you publish preprints?

Preprints offer early visibility and transparency for your research. Their open access nature enables a wider audience to engage with your work, fostering collaboration and constructive feedback. They also expedite the dissemination of your findings while establishing priority with a clear timestamp.

Moreover, preprints boost your professional visibility and reputation, potentially leading to more citations and collaboration opportunities. Finally, they support the open science movement by promoting transparency and accessibility in research.

How to publish preprints?

1. Prepare your manuscript for publication and submit it to a journal.
2. Submit your manuscript to the preprint platform recommended by the journal or select a domain-specific preprint platform, for example:
   • arXiv - Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Biology, and related fields.
   • bioRxiv - Biology and Life Sciences.
   • medRxiv - Health Sciences and Clinical Research.
   • SSRN (Social Science Research Network) - Social Sciences, Humanities, and Law.
3. Add your preprint to the Document Server:
   Upload your preprint to the Document Server. Select the appropriate category (preprint) and ensure all relevant information is included.
4. Link with your research project in your Academic File:
   Link the preprint with your ongoing projects at Hasselt University.

Examples @ Hasselt University

Here are examples of preprints from researchers from Hasselt University:

• https://osf.io/preprints/metaarxiv/mbx62
• https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/4184/
• https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/4121/
• https://osf.io/preprints/metaarxiv/82rmj

What is open peer review?

Open peer review is a process in academic publishing where the identities of both the reviewers and authors are disclosed, and the review process is made transparent. This system is characterized by:

1. Reviewer transparency: The names of the reviewers are disclosed to the authors, and sometimes to the public.
2. Author transparency: The names of the authors are known to the reviewers, as opposed to traditional double-blind review where both parties remain anonymous.
3. Public availability: Reviews and sometimes even the author responses are made available publicly, either during or after the publication process.
4. Interactive process: In some cases, the review process may include a dialogue between reviewers and authors, allowing for real-time feedback and iterative improvements to the manuscript.

Open peer review aims to increase accountability, reduce biases, and enhance the quality and credibility of published research by making the review process more transparent.

Why should you choose for open peer review?

Open peer review offers several potential benefits that can enhance the transparency, credibility, and overall quality of the academic publishing process:

1. Increased transparency: By disclosing the identities of reviewers and making the review process open, the transparency of the entire evaluation process is improved. This can help build trust in the peer review system.
2. Accountability: Knowing that their reviews will be publicly available, reviewers may be more diligent, fair, and constructive in their feedback. This can lead to higher-quality reviews.
3. Increased speed: Open peer review can potentially speed up the review process. Transparency and accountability can incentivize reviewers to complete their evaluations more promptly, and the open dialogue between authors and reviewers can streamline revisions and reduce back-and-forth delays.
4. Reduced bias: Open peer review can help mitigate biases that may arise in traditional blind review processes. When reviewers are aware that their identities are known, they may be less likely to engage in biased or unprofessional behavior.
5. Enhanced collaboration: The open review process can foster more collaborative interactions between authors and reviewers. This can lead to more constructive feedback and better-quality manuscripts.
6. Credit for reviewers: Open peer review allows reviewers to receive recognition and credit for their work, which can be valuable for their professional development and career advancement.
7. Educational value: Publicly available reviews can serve as educational resources for the broader research community, helping other researchers understand the strengths and weaknesses of a given study.
8. Combatting fraud and misconduct: The transparency of open peer review can act as a deterrent against unethical behavior, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, by making the review process more visible.
9. Improved review quality: With the review process open to scrutiny, reviewers may be more motivated to provide thorough and high-quality assessments, ultimately improving the quality of published research.

Open peer review isn't flawless and won't eliminate all bias or prevent senior researchers from retaliating against younger researchers who criticize their work. However, it will make such actions more transparent and can damage reviewers' reputations if they behave inappropriately.

Emerging open peer review models are constantly evolving, with improvements being made as insights are gained.

How to get started with open peer review?

• Submit your manuscript to a journal offering open peer review, for example:
  • ORE - European Commission-funded research
  • BMJ Open - Medical Sciences
  • eLife - Life Sciences
  • F1000Research - Multidisciplinary
  • PLOS ONE - Multidisciplinary
  • PeerJ - Biological and Medical Sciences
  • Nature Communications - Multidisciplinary
  • Frontiers in (Various Subjects) - Multidisciplinary
  • BMC Medicine - Medical Sciences
  • Royal Society Open Science - Multidisciplinary
  • Journal of Open Research Software - Software, Computer Science
• Specific platforms like Peer Community In (PCI) also exist. PCI connects scientific communities within specific disciplines. Authors post their manuscripts on a preprint server and submit them for review to the relevant community. At least two experts review the paper, providing feedback similar to traditional peer review. The peer review reports and a link to the final version of the paper are then published on the platform.
• Become an (open) peer reviewer yourself by signing up on one of the open platforms.

Examples @ Hasselt University

• Prof. Tim Nawrot, CMK > Hakomäki H, Pitkänen S, Levonen AL et al. Unmasking metabolic disruptors: The NEMESIS project's quest for Novel Biomarkers, Evidence on Adverse Effects, and Efficient Methodologies [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. Open Res Europe 2024, 4:194 (https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.18439.1)
• Noémie Aubert Bonn > Pizzolato D, Reyes Elizondo A, Aubert Bonn N et al. Bridging the gap – how to walk the talk on supporting early career researchers [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. Open Res Europe 2023, 3:75 (https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.15872.1)

What are open educational resources?

Open educational resources (OER) are freely accessible learning materials, primarily online, that anyone can use and adapt. These resources must be either in the public domain (CC0) or under an open license with minimal restrictions (usually Creative Commons). OER can include various formats such as entire courses, individual modules, textbooks, videos, assessment tools, images, and software. They are relevant across different settings, from formal education to professional development, workshops, and research dissemination. OERs are increasingly used in contexts like training sessions, scientific communication, and conferences to enhance knowledge sharing.

Why develop open educational resources (OER)?

1. Broader impact: Make educational materials accessible worldwide, increasing your reach and influence.
2. Collaboration and innovation: Foster a culture of sharing and innovation in teaching and learning.
3. Visibility and recognition: Enhance the visibility of your work and gain recognition.
4. Support lifelong learning: Provide resources for continuous education and professional development.

How to develop OER at Hasselt University?

1. Select content:
   Choose materials like lecture notes, infographics, research findings, and multimedia content.
2. Select a platform:
   For higher education, there is eg. CoCOS, an international platform for the co-creation of open educational materials, funded by the European Commission
   On the international stage, we can refer to a multitude of online platforms, such as OpenStax, Open Science Framework and Zenodo.
3. Apply an Open License: Use a suitable license, preferably Creative Commons licenses for free use and adaptation.
4. Ensure quality and accessibility: Create high-quality, accessible resources with clear metadata.
5. Check copyrights: Obtain permissions for any copyrighted materials used in your materials.
6. Publish and promote: Share your OER on the Document Server and educational networks to maximize reach.
7. If your open educational resource contains datasets, add their metadata to the Metadata Repository (Document Server):
   Go to the Document Server. After selecting “new submission”, adjust the collection at the top of the page to “Datasets” and add the URL/DOI to the dataset which you have submitted via an external platform.
8. Link with your research project in your Academic File (if applicable):
   Link the datasets with your ongoing projects at Hasselt University.

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be


Examples @ Hasselt University
Here are examples of open educational resources from researchers from Hasselt University:

• https://documentserver.uhasselt.be/handle/1942/39623
• https://erbiostat.wixsite.com/itp2
• https://osf.io/r6jxb/: UHasselt data stewards training materials

What is Open Access?

Open Access is an academic movement aimed at providing free online access to scholarly information. It allows researchers to publish their findings online, making them freely available to everyone. This approach offers an alternative to the traditional publishing model, where access to scientific work is restricted by paywalls.

Hasselt University has its own Open Access policy. You can find more information about this policy and other aspects of Open Access on the library's website.

What is citizen science?

According to Scivil, the Flemish knowledge center for citizen science, “Citizen science is scientific research performed by non-professional scientists (citizen scientists). Citizen scientists can work independently, but they often work together with professional scientists. Citizen science is a very valuable scientific research method. Not only does it generate new scientific knowledge, but it can also generate spectacular results in community building and science education.”

Citizen science - also known as participatory science - is a key component of Open Science, offering the public the opportunity to not only observe but also actively engage in research. This participation educates people and heightens their understanding of scientific processes. Scientists also gain from this collaboration by collecting large amounts of data from otherwise inaccessible locations (such as private gardens), and by gaining fresh insights into their work. It's a win-win situation.

Why should you engage in citizen science?

1. Data collection: Gather large amounts of data from diverse, often inaccessible locations.
2. Public engagement: Increase public interest and understanding of science.
3. New perspectives: Gain unique insights and innovative solutions.
4. Community building: Strengthen relationships between science and society.
5. Cost efficiency: Conduct large-scale projects with limited funding.
6. Policy impact: Data collected by citizen scientists can inform policy decisions at local, national, and global levels.

How to get started with citizen science?

Here are some useful links to help you embark on your citizen science journey:

• The Ten Principles of Citizen Science
• Guide for building a communication plan for your citizen science project
• Broadcast your citizen science project on platforms, such as https://www.iedereenwetenschapper.be/ (Dutch only) and https://eu-citizen.science/projects (European)
• Do you have a research question yourself? Ikhebeenvraag.be (Dutch only)

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be

Examples @ Hasselt University

Below you will find links to some examples of citizen science projects that Hasselt University is involved in:

• https://ichange-project.eu/living-lab-hasselt/
• Think3 simulation & innovation lab
• Limburgonderzoek i.s.m. Het Belang van Limburg
• Bodemleven.be
• http://www.wasp-project.net/
• Infectieradar.be

What is Research Data Management?

Research Data Management (RDM) refers to the way research data is managed throughout a research project. RDM is an essential skill for researchers from all disciplines and settings. Steps toward good RDM practices are facilitated by writing a data management plan (DMP) at the start of a research project describing the efforts concerning data management during and after your research project. Examples of good RDM practices include:

• Storing and preserving data on institutionally recommended storage facilities
• Using Electronic Research Notebooks (ERN) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN), a digital tool that facilitates the documentation, storage, and sharing of research data.
• Using an Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system, a secure and efficient platform for collecting, managing, and storing data, ensuring compliance with regulations like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and data protection laws.
• etc.

UHasselt’s Research Data Management Policy and most funders (see funder requirements on Open Data) require researchers to submit a DMP at the start of a research project. Furthermore, funders encourage researchers to manage and share data “as open as possible as closed as necessary” according to the FAIR principles —making data findable (F), accessible (A), interoperable (I), and reusable (R). While well-managed data is key to high-quality research, FAIR data requires additional steps, for example using standardized metadata and open formats.

Open Data means freely sharing any information or materials that have been collected, created, or reused as part of a research project unless there are commercial, privacy, security, or confidentiality concerns (Open Science, European IP Helpdesk Bulletin). However, FAIR data is not always open, and open data isn’t always FAIR.

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be

Examples @ Hasselt University

• imo-imomec
  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202314857 (DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202314857; Resource type: Dataset; Publisher: Zenodo)
• BEW: The Research Group Logistics devotes a section of their website to publicly available datasets:
• CMK: Cruz-Laufer, A. J., Artois, T., Koblmüller, S., Pariselle, A., Smeets, K., Van Steenberge, M., & Vanhove Maarten. (2022). Explosive networking: the role of adaptive host radiations and ecological opportunity in a species-rich host-parasite assembly [Data set]. In Ecology Letters (2.1). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6587661 https://documentserver.uhasselt.be/handle/1942/40335
• DSI: socialcontactdata.org
• Discover all UHasselt Datasets.

What is open-source software?

Open source software (OSS) is software that is distributed with its source code and is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute. Even though it is freely available, OSS may have requirements for its (re-)use, such as requiring users to give credit to the original authors (e.g., citation) or to make their own modifications available to the public.

In a research context, this open science practice can be implemented in two ways:

1. By using open-source software throughout the research lifecycle.
   
   Why should you use open-source software?

Using open-source software instead of proprietary software enhances the reproducibility and replicability of your research, given that no licenses for proprietary software are needed to replicate the research results. It is therefore interesting to assess the advantages and shortcomings of proprietary software and consider the benefits of open-source alternatives. Furthermore, files saved by open-source software often provide the option to select preferred file formats for output data, which is essential to ensure that the research data will remain accessible and usable in the future.
A non-exhaustive list of open-source software throughout the research lifecycle:

- Planning and literature review: Zotero
- Data cleaning: OpenRefine
- Data analysis: R, Python
- Collaboration and version control: Git, GitLab
- Writing and documentation: LaTeX, Overleaf
- Presentation of results: LibreOffice Impress, info-beamer
- Data sharing and reproducibility: Zenodo, Figshare
- Publishing platform: Open Science Framework, PubPub

1. By sharing/publishing your own research software/code with an open-source license.
   
   Why should you share your code?

Sharing your code under an open-source license offers several key benefits:

- Promotes reproducibility: It enables others to validate your
  results and build upon your work.
- Facilitates collaboration: Researchers can collaborate more
  efficiently, reducing redundant efforts.
- Advances the field: Open access to your code allows the
  broader scientific community to reuse and improve it, driving
  innovation and fostering new discoveries.

Need support? Visit the RDM website for more info or reach out to rdm@uhasselt.be.

Examples @ Hasselt University

• Geert Jan Bex. (2024). gjbex/Best-practices-in-programming: Session on 2024-02-15 (Version 20240215). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10665373
• Willem, L., Kuylen, E., Libin, P. J., & Hens, N. (2021). STRIDE v1.1.0 (household bubbles) (v1.1.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4440258

What is a virtual research environment?

As research becomes more interdisciplinary and extends beyond institutional borders, virtual research environments (VREs) streamline the research process by integrating file sharing, communication, and collaboration into a single platform.

Key Features of a VRE:

1. Data management: Secure storage, organization, and sharing of data.
2. Collaboration: Real-time collaborative workspaces, document editing, and communication tools.
3. Computational resources: Access to high-performance computing and analytical tools.
4. Workflow management: Systems for designing, executing, and monitoring research workflows.
5. Access control and security: Managing user access, ensuring data privacy and compliance with legal standards.
6. Integration capabilities: Connecting with other research infrastructures, databases, and third-party tools.
7. Publication and dissemination: Tools for preparing, publishing, and sharing research outputs.

Goals of a VRE:

• Enhance productivity: Integrating various research tools and services in a seamless digital environment.
• Support interdisciplinary research: Enabling collaboration among researchers from different fields and institutions.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing: Promoting the sharing of knowledge and resources within the research community.

Getting started with virtual research environments (VREs)

Researchers can start using VREs by identifying their project's needs and accessing platforms through their institution or by creating an account.

Examples of VREs:

• JupyterHub: Collaborative coding and data analysis.
• HubZero: Tools for simulation and data management.
• Galaxy: Genomic research and data analysis.
• eLabFTW: Electronic lab notebook for data management.
• Zenodo: Sharing and publishing research outputs

What are open collaboration platforms?

Open Science advocates for "open collaboration," where academic social networks play a crucial role. These platforms allow researchers to showcase their work, engage with peers, and form new collaborations, often referred to as "Facebook for researchers."

Ortega (2016) identifies four essential features of an academic social network: profile creation, content uploading, making connections, and activity tracking through metrics (e.g., followers and downloads). The most popular platforms, ResearchGate and Academia.edu, meet these criteria and are widely used for sharing scientific work in (Green) Open Access. However, these commercial platforms lack quality control or copyright checks and often host non-peer-reviewed or illegally shared publications. They also miss essential features for Open Access repositories, such as version control, licenses, persistent identifiers, and high-quality metadata.

To align more closely with the Open Science ethos, alternative platforms have emerged that prioritize quality and legal compliance. For instance, Humanities Commons is a non-profit network designed for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This platform, managed by Michigan State University (MSU), provides members with the ability to create profiles, deposit materials in the CORE repository, connect with peers, and engage in discussions. It emphasizes transparent policies, proper metadata usage, persistent identifiers, Creative Commons licenses, and sustainable preservation, ensuring the legal deposition of full-text documents.

In addition to the traditional scientific social networks, we also recognize the importance of interactive project pages, such as those offered by Open Science Framework (OSF) and PubPub, which support collaborative research initiatives. Another noteworthy platform is Crowdhelix, recommended by our grant office, which facilitates connections among researchers and organizations, promoting innovative partnerships.

Furthermore, while not strictly classified as scientific social networks, initiatives like FWO-WOG or COST networks play a crucial role in fostering research collaboration and align with the Open Science philosophy. These networks are often specific to disciplines or faculties, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder involvement.

In conclusion, while platforms like ResearchGate and Academia.edu provide options for research sharing, exploring alternative networks that prioritize open collaboration and high Open Access standards is crucial. Utilizing these diverse platforms enables researchers to build meaningful connections and further the principles of Open Science, engaging both academics and various stakeholders.

Need support? Contact rdm@uhasselt.be