What’s the CoP, and Why Should You think about it?

If you're involved in Open Science training, whether as a coordinator, trainer, librarian, researcher, or just someone trying to make sense of it all, you’ll want to know about the Community of Practice (CoP) for Training Coordinators. It started as part of OpenAIRE, but it’s now grown into a friendly, active network of people from all over the world who care about better ways to teach and support Open Science.

Think of it as your monthly check-in with people who “get it.” We share what’s working (and what’s not), swap tools and tips, and stay up to date on what’s happening in the Open Science world. No pressure, no formality, just good conversations and useful connections. 

Why Join the CoP?

You’ll get a lot out of being part of this group. First, it helps you stay in the loop about important projects like PATTERN, Skills4EOSC, and the latest from OpenPlato or the EOSC Federation. People often present new tools, training materials, or reflections from bootcamps or workshops they’ve run.

Second, it’s a space where collaboration happens naturally. Members co-create things like FAIR-by-design training, discuss topics like research ethics in AI, and even brainstorm how to deal with outdated materials or make online training more inclusive. It’s an ongoing knowledge exchange—built by peers, for peers.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a supportive environment. We’ve heard people describe the CoP as a “safe space” where you can ask questions, bring up challenges, or listen in when you need inspiration. The community gets that training work can sometimes feel isolated or overwhelming. That’s why it’s so valuable to know there’s a group ready to share the load.

How to Get Involved

It’s easy to join. Meetings are held online every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 14:00 CET. You don’t need to present anything, just come as you are. You can listen, ask questions, share your news, or offer a lightning talk about something you’re working on. It’s informal and open to all.

To get connected, you can:

  • Ask to be added to the mailing list for regular updates.

  • Join the Slack workspace where quick updates and discussions happen.

  • Check out the CoP website hosted by OpenAIRE: https://www.openaire.eu/cop-training

  • Reach out directly to one of the CoP coordinators (their info is shared in the notes and site).

If you’re already running training or even just thinking about starting, this is one of the best places to get ideas, meet collaborators, and feel part of a wider movement.

In a Nutshell

The CoP for Training Coordinators is more than a monthly call; it’s a community of people who believe in making Open Science training better, fairer, and more accessible. Whether you’re curious about digital badges, accessibility, gamification, or just want to hear how others are handling training sustainability, you’ll find people here who are working on the same things.

It doesn’t matter what country you’re in, or whether you’re from a big organization or working solo, if Open Science and training are on your radar, you belong here.