By combining various research methods, Work Package 2 (WP2) of OSIRIS aims to understand what reproducibility in research means to different stakeholders and to gather and compile data on the underlying drivers and barriers as well as practices that increase reproducibility. In order to achieve this, WP2 researchers and collaborators have been working on several activities since the start of the project.
Within Work Package 2 and in collaboration with the TIER2 Horizon project, we conducted a systematic scoping review of Open Science interventions to improve reproducibility, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. The preprint of the first paper is available here. This synthesis highlights the extent to which various Open Science and other practices have been studied for their effectiveness in improving reproducibility and replicability of research. Our broad search strategy included electronic bibliographic databases, internet searches, and expert consultations in reproducibility, replicability, and Open Science, seeking research on the impact of interventions. By synthesizing current evidence and identifying knowledge gaps, our work offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders invested in promoting rigorous scientific practices. We are currently working on a second paper that will provide a more in-depth qualitative analysis of the interventions and policies identified in the review.
The growing focus on reproducibility in academic and policy discussions has highlighted the complexity of the topic, particularly across disciplines. To better understand this complexity, we conducted 60 semi-structured interviews in 2024 with researchers from European institutions. These conversations explored researchers’ views and practices related to reproducibility, drawing from a diverse sample of disciplines, seniority levels, and regions. By analyzing these perspectives and practices, along with factors that facilitate or hinder reproducibility, this analysis will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the issue and promote reproducibility through more efficient and inclusive approaches.
To further explore stakeholders’ views and needs regarding reproducibility, we are conducting focus group discussions with diverse stakeholder groups, including funders, publishers, university leadership, reproducibility action groups (such as ReproducibiliTea clubs and National Reproducibility Networks), research support officers, and civil society organizations invested in research and citizen engagement. By applying this dynamic data collection method, we aim to capture existing policies and initiatives and identify important topics from the perspective of stakeholders to guide the co-development of training, interventions, and policy recommendations within OSIRIS. With five focus groups completed, we plan to conclude data collection by June 2025.
As we approach the halfway mark of the OSIRIS project, we are pleased to share insights from each OSIRIS project work package (WP) on their progress thus far.
We are pleased to share insights from Magdalena, a PhD researcher in the OSIRIS project at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, focusing on Work Package 2 activities, including researcher interviews and stakeholder focus groups. A Fulbright programme alumna, she is a graduate of Boston College, USA, and the University of Wroclaw and Collegium Civitas, Poland. With prior professional experience in higher education and research policy across governmental and academic sectors, her research interests include the university ecosystem and the Open Science movement, with a qualitative focus.
The WP2 investigates the underlying drivers and effective interventions that increase reproducibility at funding, publishing, university, and researcher levels. It compiles and maps evidence on reproducibility practice and its meaning to different stakeholders, thus creating a strong knowledge base.
Read all about the OSIRIS WP3 HERE.
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!
OSIRIS “Creating Trust in Open Science & Reproducibility through Accessibility and Transparency!”
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