Get Involved in Open Science Research: An Overview of Ongoing Surveys
Open science has long moved beyond academic discussions and is becoming an integral part of everyday research practices. The principles of transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing are no longer just ideals – they are actively transforming how scientific knowledge is created and disseminated. Research surveys that examine how open science is actually practiced play a key role in this transformation. And it’s precisely these studies that offer scientists, researchers, and data professionals the opportunity to actively contribute. This article provides an overview of current open science research initiatives you can participate in to help shape the future of this essential movement.
Survey on the Practice of Open Science in the Czech Republic
What are the real conditions for open science in the Czech research environment? The Technology Centre Prague, in cooperation with the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and other partners, is conducting two related surveys focused on open science practices in the country.
The first survey is aimed at researchers across all disciplines and career stages. It explores how open science principles are perceived and applied in practice, what barriers scientists face in adopting them, and what support is currently available. The anonymous survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The results will be used to develop recommendations and systemic measures to better support open science in the Czech Republic. Data collection runs until July 10, 2025 – you can participate here.
The second survey targets those who provide technical, methodological, or advisory support for open science within research institutions – including data managers, repository operators, or training coordinators. It seeks to map institutional support structures, available services, and the main challenges in implementing open science. The findings will help inform coordinated national development efforts beyond 2027. This anonymous survey takes 15 to 20 minutes and is open until June 20, 2025 – access it here (only in Czech).
UNESCO International Survey on Remote Access to Scientific Equipment
As part of the UNESRALE initiative (Remote Access to Lab Equipment), UNESCO is conducting a global survey to map research infrastructure and assess the needs of scientific communities in member states. The survey aims to identify equipment suitable for remote access, understand researchers’ needs regarding sample preparation, and clarify the kinds of support institutions can offer to external users.
The goal is to facilitate more equitable access to research resources between the Global North and South, strengthen infrastructure sharing, and support capacity development. A key output of this project will be a live database to enhance international collaboration. While there is no fixed deadline, a preliminary summary will be compiled in June 2025. You can join the survey here, and direct any questions to lab-remote.access@unesco.org.
Call for Case Studies: The Role of Data Stewards in Czech Research
Data stewards working in the Czech research environment are invited to contribute to a growing understanding of their profession by sharing specific case studies or use-cases from their projects. Those interested can contact Antonín Zita from Masaryk University at zita@ics.muni.cz. The format of the collaboration will be adapted to individual preferences and availability. These real-life examples will help raise awareness of the data steward role and support its development as a professional field.
Survey on Research Data Management and Sharing
What are Czech researchers’ real-world experiences with managing, sharing, and preserving research data? A new survey, conducted by EOSC CZ and the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, as part of the project Open Science I – National Repository Platform for Research Data, aims to answer this question. The survey focuses on the actual data management needs of the research community to help tailor EOSC CZ services to everyday scientific workflows.
The results will support the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in assessing the impact of EOSC implementation in the Czech Republic and contribute to shaping the national strategy in alignment with broader European open science initiatives. The survey is aimed at principal investigators of research projects and is being carried out online during May and June 2025. Topics include data generation, storage, sharing, reuse, available tools, and institutional support. Selected participants are being contacted directly via email (based on records from the Czech Research, Development, and Innovation Information System – CEP). More information is available here.
Conclusion: Advancing Open Science Together
By participating in these studies, you can directly contribute to the advancement and refinement of open science – both in the Czech Republic and globally. Your insights and experience will help identify real needs, expose barriers, and shape practical solutions that make open science more accessible, appealing, and sustainable. Open science is not just about sharing results – it’s also about sharing experiences, skills, and know-how. This collective effort lays the foundation for a more transparent, inclusive, and higher-quality science of the future.
Last updated on June 16, 2025
