University of Turku Pioneers in Open Science with New Open Research Policy

26.06.2018

In the modern society, universities have an important role as catalysts for social well-being and the economy. At the same time, digital technologies and information change the ways how research is conducted. Open and available information and technology invites universities to rethink their societal role and create new ways for open collaboration.

 

​The Open Research Policy of the University of Turku approved by the University Board on 7 June 2018 describes the University-level principles and policies that are related to the openness of the research process and the used methods. The impact and reliability of research as well as open multidisciplinary collaboration are the cornerstones of the Open Research Policy. Transparency and openness promote the quality and further use of research.

– Research results are principally open and for shared use. By opening the phases and details of research, the quality of research is indicated and its repeatability is made possible. Opening the process also increases the impact of research and co-operation between research groups, says Vice Rector Kalle-Antti Suominen.

The University of Turku has risen to the top in open publications on a national level. As for the Open Research Policy, it is the first of its kind in Finland and aiming at a pioneering position in open science and research.

University Meets Global Challenges and Citizen Science

In addition to sharing research results, data and methods, the University of Turku wants to encourage creating new ideas and approaches with the Open Research Policy.

– Open research is more than just a collection of open research practices. Openness is created in the attitudes towards open collaboration, says Development Specialist Erika Lilja who was one of the developers of the new Policy.

For example, global environmental challenges, such as climate change and sufficient natural resources, and promoting circular economy require collaboration where research and innovation activities are strengthened by bringing together research organisations, business life, political decision-makers and citizens.

– With co-operation and information based on research, we can encourage businesses and public bodies towards carbon neutral or low-carbon practices that use natural resources sustainably. Consumers’ choices are on the other hand an opportunity to increase the supply of sustainable products and services, illustrates Lilja.

The Open Research Policy supports citizen science and aims at promoting science which would not be possible without open collaboration. Citizen science refers to citizens participating in research by, for example, producing research data and having a dialogue with researchers.

Open Ecosystems Change the Routine Ways of Conducting Research

Despite digital development, research is an activity created by a researcher or a research group and connected to their ideas and ability to imagine and produce new things. The University's six strategic thematic research collaborations are platforms for knowledge and expertise which support both multidisciplinary research and collaboration with the surrounding society. The University’s role in open research practices is both enabling and supportive.

– With the Policy, the University of Turku wants to support the creation of a research and innovation culture based on openness and trust, where the open science covers the entire research project, says Head of Research Development Mari Riipinen, who is also the chair of the University's OpenUTU Project.

The Open Research Policy encourages open collaboration both between the University units and with outside operators. It also supports creating new research practices based on sharing information, technology and research expertise as well as joint development. The operational programme of the Policy takes into account the assessment of researcher career and academic merits.

Future Is Accessible and Digital

New ways of conducting open research that highlight co-operation require that universities develop the overall architecture of research. Open digital research platforms and collaboration concepts offer possibilities for dialogue between researchers, businesses, public bodies and citizens in the future. The University of Turku develops new prerequisites for research together with regional, national and international partners.

For example, in the autumn of 2018, the University of Turku opens the food experience centre Flavoria which is a lunch restaurant and cafe as well as a research and development laboratory. In addition to the diners, Flavoria serves academic research and companies in developing their business and customer experience.

Furthermore, the aim of the Laboratory of Business Disruption Research is to study business disruption as a phenomenon and develop new operational business models and concepts. Key themes include artificial intelligence and machine learning, pricing innovations, competition methods, platform economy, change in ecosystems, and organisation management in disruptive business environment.

Similarly, the Digital Futures thematic collaboration is developing a Digital Futures Living Lab concept where researchers and students in different fields as well as partners from outside the University can develop ideas together and share the research results and data. Digital Futures also promotes the storing, handling, and utilisation of data at the University of Turku.

– The better utilisation of the data produced and collected at the University of Turku as well as collaboration in data between disciplines create new possibilities in research and increase the University's impact, says Research Director Heli Salminen-Mankonen from the Digital Futures.

Read more:

>> Open Research Policy of the University of Turku
>> Food experience centre Flavoria (in Finnish)
>> Laboratory of Business Disruption Research
>> Digital Futures

JV/MR
Photo: Erja Hyytiäinen

Created 26.06.2018 | Updated 29.03.2019