Open Science as an engine for progress and innovation

Want to reinvent the wheel? Probably not. Was it not, and is it not, an undisputed advance for society that we can all use the workings of a wheel free of charge and apply them in further developments? Applying this principle on a large scale in current research is commonly referred to as "open science."

While Open Science has always been the goal of individual scientists, it can now almost be called an Open Science movement. The EU also promotes open science activities. Since many research projects are financed by public funds, the resulting research results (publications) as well as the data behind them should be free of charge and publicly accessible - of course, while respecting the intellectual property of those involved. However, the idea of "Open Science" encompasses much more: research infrastructures, teaching and learning materials, source codes and research methods, and ultimately evaluations should also be freely accessible and usable. It is the goal of Open Science to make the research results and their data, which are financed by the general public, available to the general public again.

As researchers at the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences), we do not want to reinvent the wheel. We want to find innovative and promising solutions and contribute to sustainable progress. In this context, we see the implementation of the principles of Open Science, wherever possible, as forward-looking. Their application supports progress and promotes innovation at the scientific level, but also in cooperation with all our partners from Business and Management, Industry and Society.

Use international network

To further spread the principles of Open Science, the FHV is part of the "Network of Open Science Ambassadors". This network was founded in the spring of 2022 as part of the RUN-EU PLUS project and is managed and coordinated by representatives of the FHV. Two scientists from each of the seven RUN European University partner universities were sent to the network. They form a group of researchers with diverse experiences and professional backgrounds. As ambassadors they promote the application of the Open Science principles and are contact persons for colleagues on this broad topic. Another strength of this networking is the exchange and collaboration across national borders and learning from each other.

As a member of this network, the FHV makes a further contribution to the formation of a higher awareness of the potentials of open research as well as publication and thus to community progress.

October 2022