Driving Reproducibility and Trust in European Science

Reforming the Research System for Greater Trust and Transparency

The Open Science to Increase Reproducibility in Science (OSIRIS) project is advancing Europe’s transition towards a more transparent, reliable, and equitable research ecosystem. Its Policy Brief for Research Institutions outlines key steps to embed reproducibility as a cornerstone of institutional research culture and governance.

Reproducibility is essential for rigorous and trustworthy science; yet researchers across Europe continue to face structural and cultural barriers, ranging from unclear methodologies and inaccessible data and code to limited technical training and a publish-or-perish culture that discourages openness.

Evidence-Based Insights Across Europe

Drawing on a systematic literature review, in-depth interviews, stakeholder focus groups, and a policy audit of public funders using the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) 2025 criteria, OSIRIS examined the complex interplay of barriers, drivers, and incentives that shape research reproducibility.

Through a Delphi co-creation process, stakeholders identified 32 practical items, now compiled in the OSIRIS Reproducibility Checklist — a hands-on tool for institutions to evaluate and improve their reproducibility practices.

Key Recommendations for Research Institutions

To strengthen reproducibility, OSIRIS recommends that research institutions:

  • Upskill researchers introduce comprehensive, mandatory training in reproducibility and open science for both early-career and senior staff.
  • Redefine support roles to embed reproducibility-related responsibilities and competencies in research support staff profiles.
  • Implement open science policies to ensure that institutional commitments translate into daily practice.
  • Audit internal reforms, assess progress towards DORA and CoARA principles in real institutional settings.
  • Empower researcher networks to support bottom-up initiatives that cultivate community-driven change.

While many institutions endorse reform declarations, OSIRIS findings show that implementation remains uneven. True progress depends on coordinated action, shared accountability, and a collective cultural shift toward open, transparent, and reproducible science.

Read and download the full OSIRIS Policy Brief for Research Institutions HERE

About OSIRIS

OSIRIS (Open Science to Increase Reproducibility in Science) is an EU-funded project that explores systemic enablers of research reproducibility. It co-creates and tests evidence-based solutions with stakeholders to reform the research and innovation ecosystem, fostering transparency, collaboration, and trust in science.

Stay connected with OSIRIS as we continue to explore how open science practices can strengthen the foundations of reliable research. For news, upcoming events, and project updates, subscribe to our newsletter at https://osiris4r.eu/.

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!”