OpenPlato

This module introduces publishers to the Editorial Reference Handbook, a practical resource collaboratively developed by academics and publishers. The handbook assists in-house editorial staff to operationalise a set of checks fostering good practices for sharing datasets, software, materials and other digital objects.

Gain essential knowledge for handling sensitive data in research with this focused course. Tailored for researchers and data stewards in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, this course provides actionable insights into GDPR compliance, Open Research practices, and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). It delves into the ethical, regulatory, and methodological principles necessary for managing sensitive personal data responsibly while enhancing transparency and reproducibility in research.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will:

• Identify sensitive data in research contexts and its implications for Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Understand GDPR's role in data collection, secure storage, and sharing, especially within EOSC.
• Implement FAIR principles and Open Science best practices to ensure ethical compliance.
• Navigate tools, guidelines, and global standards for responsible sensitive data management.

Who Benefits?

This course is ideal for researchers, data stewards, project managers, and trainers engaged in disciplines that frequently handle sensitive personal data. It equips them with practical skills to meet legal and ethical standards while advancing Open Science goals.

COURSE SYLLABUS

Lesson 1: Core Concepts in Personal Data Processing and GDPR Compliance

Key Topics: Develop a critical understanding of GDPR’s role in ensuring ethical and legally compliant research practices.

Lesson 2: Copyright in the Digital Research Environment

Key Topics: Equip researchers with the knowledge to navigate copyright-related challenges while ensuring compliance and fostering openness in their work.

Lesson 3: Research Ethics and Responsible Use of AI in Research

Key Topics: Enable researchers to adopt responsible practices for integrating AI into research while upholding ethical standards and addressing emerging challenges.

Supporting Resources

This course is supported by a comprehensive set of resources designed to deepen participants’ understanding and practical application of ethical research principles. These resources include:

• Reference Materials: Detailed guides and documents on GDPR compliance, Open Science frameworks, and research ethics.

• Practical Tools: Access to software, templates, and checklists for implementing ethical and compliant research practices, especially when using AI tools.

• Guidelines and Policies: Curated examples of international and organizational policies that outline responsible data management and ethical research practices.

• Case Studies: Real-world scenarios and examples highlighting challenges and solutions in ethical research involving AI and sensitive data.

How to Use It as a Trainer

This course provides trainers with a structured framework to effectively deliver engaging sessions on research ethics and the responsible use of AI in research.

• Interactive Learning Design: Incorporate narrative texts, multimedia content (videos and slides), quizzes, and practical exercises to balance theoretical and hands-on learning.
• Group Activities: Facilitate discussions and workshops on ethical challenges, GDPR compliance, and the FAIR principles to promote collaborative learning and critical thinking.
• Small Groups and Gamification: Use techniques like role-playing or scenario-based learning to make the content more relatable and engaging.

Pedagogical Tip:
Adapt the course content to fit different audience profiles:

• Citizen Scientists and Managers: Emphasize broader ethical themes and data protection strategies.
• Data Stewards and Researchers: Focus on technical details, such as data reuse, compliance with regulations, and AI integration.

Encouraging Exploration:

Guide learners to explore the provided resources, fostering independent discovery of tools and best practices for maintaining ethical standards in research involving AI.

Details

• Language: English
• Resource Types: Interactive modules, slides, exercises, videos, and quizzes
• Audience: Researchers, students, managers, data stewards, and citizen scientists

 

1. General Introduction

This course provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to Responsible Research Assessment (RRA) why it matters, how it is implemented, and which tools and resources can support institutions and individuals in making the transition. You will begin by understanding the limitations of traditional evaluation systems and the global reform movements pushing for change. The course then guides you through the i+SCOPE methodology & guidelines, a structured approach that helps organisations define purpose, clarify values, identify meaningful contributions, and build transparent assessment protocols.

From there, you will explore the GraspOS Catalogue, a central hub where tools, services, datasets, and guidelines for responsible assessment are brought together in one accessible place. You will discover concrete digital services including profile builders, indicator dashboards, citation tools, book-usage metrics, and metadata validators through real training demonstrations. The final module broadens your perspective with additional resources and initiatives outside the Catalogue, such as narrative CV frameworks, peer-mentoring approaches, and community-driven open infrastructures. By the end of the course, you will understand not only why assessment reform is essential but also how and where to take practical steps toward more fair, transparent, and meaningful evaluation practices.

2. Instructions for Learners

Welcome to this course on Responsible Research Assessment (RRA).
Before you begin, please follow these guidelines to get the most from your learning experience:

• Move through the modules in order, as each builds on the previous one.
• Watch the included videos and review linked slides and external resources they demonstrate real tools and processes.
• Reflect on the examples and consider how assessment practices operate in your own context.
• Complete the quizzes at the end of modules to check your understanding.
• If you are a trainer, make sure to watch all demonstrations beforehand so you can confidently guide participants through the tools and services.
• Remember that this course is practice-oriented: you will be encouraged to identify values, assess readiness, explore tools, and prepare for an assessment protocol of your own.

This learning journey will help you move from awareness to action as you rethink and redesign research assessment.

3. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain what research assessment is and why traditional approaches are being reconsidered, recognising the motivations behind the shift toward more responsible, multidimensional evaluation.
2. Understand the principles of Responsible Research Assessment, including the importance of context, transparency, and recognising diverse contributions.
3. Describe how the i+SCOPE methodology works, guiding institutions to design evaluation processes that align with their values and objectives.
4. Navigate the GraspOS Catalogue and identify relevant tools, services, and guidelines to support assessment activities in your context.
5. Engage with additional external initiatives and resources that strengthen the transition to responsible assessment.
6. Prepare for defining a context-specific assessment protocol using the frameworks and resources introduced in the course.

4. Course Structure 

Module 1 : The Reform of Research Assessment & the Need for Transition

Lesson Title: The Reform Research Assessment and the need for Transition

Description:
This lesson explains what research assessment is, how it influences decisions across the ecosystem (researchers, RPOs, RFOs), and why traditional systems based on publication counts and journal prestige fall short. It introduces the principles of RRA and presents global reform movements such as DORA, the Leiden Manifesto, and CoARA.
Who Benefits:
Researchers, research managers, institutional leaders, funders, and anyone seeking a clearer understanding of why assessment reform is needed.
Estimated Duration: ~45 minutes (content + reading + quiz)

Module 2 : Redesigning Research Assessment: How i+SCOPE Guides Contextual Change

Lesson Title: Redesigning Research Assessment: How i+SCOPE Guides Contextual Change

Description:
This lesson introduces the i+SCOPE methodology as a structured way to translate values into assessment practices. Learners explore how to define purpose, clarify values, identify indicators, and document an assessment protocol.

Key tools: the Assessment Protocol Portfolio (APP) and the Openness Profile (OP) are presented in depth.

Who Benefits:
Institutional assessment designers, RPOs, RFOs, research officers, and teams developing new evaluation processes.
Estimated Duration: ~60 minutes (content + resources + quiz)

Module 3 : Where to Find the Resources for Responsible Research Assessment

Lesson Title: Where to Find the Resources for Responsible Research Assessment
Description:
This lesson explains why a central Catalogue is needed and introduces the GraspOS Catalogue as a practical entry point for tools, services, datasets, guidelines, and templates that support assessment reform. Learners discover the Data Registry, Tools Catalogue, Services Catalogue, and guidance materials.

Who Benefits:
Researchers, institutions, funders, librarians, digital infrastructure teams, and anyone looking for ready-to-use RRA resources.
Estimated Duration: ~45 minutes (content + browsing + quiz)

Module 4 : What You Can Find in the GraspOS Catalogue

Lesson Title: What You Can Find in the GraspOS Catalogue
Description:
This lesson provides video-based training on key services within the Catalogue, such as BIP! Scholar, OpenAIRE MONITOR, OpenCitations, OPERAS Metrics, PRISM, the OpenAIRE Metadata Validator, and the OpenAIRE Graph API. Learners see demonstrations of how each tool works and how it supports responsible assessment.
Who Benefits:
Researchers building holistic profiles, institutional analytics teams, library staff, assessment committees, and funders seeking transparent metrics.
Estimated Duration: ~90 minutes (multiple videos + exercises + quiz)

Module 5 : Additional Resources to Support Your RRA Transition

Lesson Title: Additional Resources to Support Your RRA Transition
Description:
This final lesson highlights complementary initiatives not yet in the Catalogue such as PEP-CV, OPUS, Diamond Open Access infrastructures, and webinars on cultural and policy change. These resources expand the learner’s understanding of narrative CVs, peer mentoring, alternative publishing models, and broader systemic reform.
Who Benefits:
Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the wider RRA movement policy makers, research offices, funders, senior managers, and reform advocates.
Estimated Duration: ~60–75 minutes (videos + discussions + quiz)