Happy New Year! We hope you had a nice end of the year and a relaxing time with loved ones.
For those who were not aware, the Open Science Programme (OSP) of the University of Groningen started its second phase (in October 2024). Building on the success of the first phase, this phase has expanded the number of pillars in the OSP (from 5 -> 6). The newly established Community Pillar will build on the work being done by the OSCG and engage with other stakeholders involved in the OSP.
What does that entail?
The activities of OSCG will be expanded to incorporate a broader network and the continued collaboration between other networks in Groningen (i.e. YAG, Interdisciplinary Schools, Graduate Schools). As there are many academics engaged in different aspects of Open Science, the aim of the Community Pillar is to strengthen the red thread that binds each community. With each academic discipline facing different challenges to incorporate Open Science practices, strengthening the support amongst each other presents the opportunity to foster improved knowledge exchange and reduce the need to re-invent the wheel.
What does that mean for the OSCG?
Positive news! Notwithstanding the members who are part of our mailing list (if you are not yet, you can join here), the number of OS practitioners in Groningen is growing. Thus, by being part of the Community Pillar, OSCG’s activities of disseminating the work of OS practitioners and ongoing OS events in Groningen will be shared to a broader audience. In addition to the quarterly events that organized by the OSCG, by being part of the OSP, new opportunities to engage with students and academics to better understand how OS practices are being disseminated are one of the main deliverables for the OSCG.
If you are interested in helping out, do not hesitate to reach out!
Looking to the future
With the Open Science Festival to be organized in Groningen this autumn, what better way to showcase the diverse actiities of OS practitioners through a supportive network of communities in the North. While there is uncertainty regarding funding in academic institutes, it is encouraging to see the University of Groningen continuing its support to actively stimulate and facilitate Open Science principles among our academic community.
If you are interested in learning more about what the Vision and Goals are of the current phase of the OSP, you can check out the link (here)