This week, we read about how GenAI can support Research Excellence Framework assessments, and we take a deep dive into the broad benefits of OA publishing. We also read reflections on open science from the 2024 Munin Conference on Scholarly Publishing, explore approaches to extend the FAIR principles to address todays’ challenges, and consider the most effective strategies for archiving creative research communication outputs. Finally, we signpost an upcoming webinar from OASPA, which will discuss efforts to ensure high-quality, equitable and transparent OA publishing practices.
To read:
Streamlining research assessment processes with generative AI via LSE | 6-minute read
“Could REF [Research Excellence Framework] 2029 see the inauguration of GenAI tools into the work of its panels?” In this article, Richard Watermeyer (Professor of Higher Education at the University of Bristol) and Lawrie Phipps (Senior Research Lead at Jisc) discuss the suitability of GenAI to support REF assessments, considering the standardized and formulaic processes typically required. The authors also explore the potential benefits of this approach for academic institutions, including reducing financial pressures, while recognizing the challenges of using GenAI in this context.
Examining the benefits of open access via MDPI | 10-minute read
Although open access (OA) publishing models for scholarly research are becoming more common, misconceptions around OA remain. This article by Jack McKenna (Communications Associate at MDPI) provides clarity on the goals of OA publishing and explores how OA helps address current key issues, including artificial intelligence, climate change and health equity.
Reflecting on open science via The Scholarly Kitchen | 10-minute read
This article by Mark Huskisson (Publishing Strategy, Policy and Infrastructure at the Public Knowledge Project) reflects on the main themes and ideas discussed at The 2024 Munin Conference on Scholarly Publishing, including UNESCO’s increasing action and recommendations on OA publishing and the evolution of open science. This article is part two of a three-part series of reflections from this conference.
Extending the FAIR principles of data sharing via LSE | 6-minute read
“Research into pressing societal challenges increasingly depends on data coming from across different disciplines and research contexts.” In this article, Gordon Blair (Head of Environmental Digital Strategy at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) argues that to avoid being left behind, the scope of the 2016 FAIR principles (findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability) need to be extended to address new challenges that have emerged in the decade since their creation.
Achieving creative research communication outputs for long-term impact via LSE | 6-minute read
Videos, podcasts, infographics and other creative research communication outputs are increasingly used to disseminate knowledge, but where and how these are hosted is often not well considered. This article by Andy Tattersall (Information Specialist at the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research), Liz Such (Director at NIHR Knowledge for Public Health programme), Joe Langley (Principal Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University) and Fiona Marshall (NIHR Research Fellow in Public Health Knowledge Mobilization at the University of Nottingham) explores the importance of curating creative research communication outputs aimed at engaging non-academic audiences and reflects on strategies for selecting the most appropriate platforms to host them.
To engage with:
Defining quality in open access publishing practices via OASPA
How is quality defined in OA publishing? In this webinar on Monday 6 February, we will hear perspectives from representatives across East and North Africa, Southeast Europe and North America. Chair Iryna Kuchma (Open Access Programme Manager at EIFL) will be joined by panellists Kamel Belhamel (Professor of Chemistry at University of Bejaia), Milica Ševkušić (Open Access programme Coordinator at EIFL), Jessica Dallaire-Clark (Senior Coordinator Open Access Development at Érudit) and Tom Kwanya (Professor at The Technical University of Kenya) to discuss efforts to establish criteria for OA publishers to meet to ensure high-quality, equitable and transparent OA publishing practices. Learn more about this free webinar and register here.
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