Scientific progress relies on trust, trust in data, trust in methods, and trust in the conclusions we draw. But trust isn’t something we can assume; it must be built through transparency, rigour, and reproducibility. The OSIRIS project is taking a step toward strengthening the foundations of research by creating a dynamic, interdisciplinary community (the OSIRIS Reproducibility Network) dedicated to testing and improving Open Science practices.
This network, distinct from the many national reproducibility networks, is more than just a group of researchers. It is a collaborative effort to make reproducibility a standard practice and to develop and test evidence-based solutions. By bringing together scientists, engineers, and research support professionals, OSIRIS is creating an environment where Open Science principles are not only discussed but put into practice.
Why Build this Network?
The challenges of reproducibility in science are well known. Despite growing awareness, many research findings remain difficult or even impossible to replicate. OSIRIS aims to address this issue by conducting a series of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to test specific Open Science interventions that could improve reproducibility. The Reproducibility Network plays a key role in making these trials possible, providing both the expertise and the support needed to rigorously assess methods and computational reproducibility.
Beyond these studies, the network is a place for learning, exchange, and collaboration. Researchers from different backgrounds can come together to discuss best practices, refine methodologies, and contribute to a broader movement for more reliable and transparent science.
How the Network Works
Since its launch in January 2025, the OSIRIS Reproducibility Network has welcomed participants from a variety of backgrounds, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and experienced scientists. What unites them is a shared commitment to improving research practices and a willingness to engage in reproducibility assessments that will directly inform the future of Open Science.
Network members will contribute to OSIRIS-led trials, including a study focused on methods reproducibility, in collaboration with scientific journals, and another evaluating computational reproducibility among researchers. These studies require a dedicated team of experts who can assess whether published methods can be replicated and whether computational results hold up under scrutiny.
Participation is designed to be flexible and rewarding. Depending on the complexity of a given study, a reproducibility check may take anywhere from an hour to a full day. Members can decide their level of involvement based on their availability and expertise. To support them, OSIRIS provides training opportunities to ensure that assessments are both effective and high-quality.
A Network That Benefits Everyone
Beyond its broader impact on science, the OSIRIS Reproducibility Network offers researchers a chance to expand their knowledge, gain hands-on experience with reproducibility methods, and build professional connections. Members have the opportunity to engage in collaborative projects, contribute to published studies, and be recognised for their work, whether through acknowledgements, authorship, or formal certifications as “Reproducibility Champions.”
More than anything, this initiative is about fostering a culture of trust and transparency in research. It gives those who care deeply about scientific integrity a way to take action, rather than just advocate for change. By working together, we can make reproducibility the norm.
Expanding the Movement
The OSIRIS Reproducibility Network does not exist in isolation. It seeks to complement and collaborate with existing reproducibility initiatives across Europe and beyond, including established networks in France, Italy, and the Netherlands. By working together, OSIRIS aims to strengthen the broader movement for reproducibility and contribute to lasting improvements in research practices.
How to Get Involved
The OSIRIS Reproducibility Network is actively looking for new members who want to contribute to this important mission. If you are passionate about Open Science and want to help generate evidence to support reproducible research practices, we encourage you to join us. Express your interest by filling out our Google Form, and let’s build a scientific community where transparency and rigour guide every discovery.
Stay tuned for updates on other OSIRIS activities! Visit our website to read our blogs and events section and follow us on social media to discover what’s new and how you can get involved!
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