Open Research is an umbrella term (interchangeable with Open Science) for efforts to make research ‘more transparent, collaborative and efficient’. This term covers Open Access to research outputs, Open Data (more specifically FAIR data – findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable), open research platforms, tools and services as well as the drive for greater collaboration, transparency and public engagement in research. It also encompasses wider aspects of reproducibility in research. Our approach is to ensure data can be as open as possible but closed as necessary. The Open Research agenda aligns with The Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2019), the UK’s national framework to promote honesty, rigour, transparency and open communication, care and respect and accountability across all fields of research.
Open Access is defined in the very broadest terms as the making available of scholarly work and supplemental materials (e.g. research data) in at least one online platform using suitable technical standards that support discoverability, unrestricted distribution, interoperability and long-term archiving. Find out more about Strathclyde’s open access policies.
The UUK Concordat on Open Research Data defines research data are the evidence that underpins the answer to the research question, and can be used to validate findings regardless of its form (eg print, digital, or physical). These might be quantitative information or qualitative statements collected by researchers in the course of their work by experimentation, observation, modelling, interview or other methods, or information derived from existing evidence. Data may be raw or primary (eg direct from measurement or collection) or derived from primary data for subsequent analysis or interpretation (eg cleaned up or as an extract from a larger data set), or derived from existing sources where the rights may be held by others. Data may be defined as ‘relational’ or ‘functional’ components of research, thus signalling that their identification and value lies in whether and how researchers use them as evidence for claims.
Open research data are those research data that can be freely accessed, used, modified, and shared, provided that there is appropriate acknowledgement if required; At Strathclyde, our commitment to open research data is supported via our dedicated and cross-functional Research Data Management and Sharing team. We believe that excellence in research and research integrity is facilitated by the application of good practice in research data management. We support researchers to achieve excellence through the provision of systems, infrastructure, tools, training and guidance.
Openness in research also relates to our mission as a place of useful learning; extending beyond HE, industry and the third sector, to directly engage the public in our research. As an ‘Engaged University’ we're committed to creating an environment that builds on our legacy as a socially relevant, externally-facing university in our interactions with local, national and international communities. Strathclyde was awarded a Silver Watermark award for public engagement in 2018. Find more information on our public engagement activities.