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 actual conditions for open science in the Czech research environment? The Technology Centre Prague, in collaboration with the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and other partners, is conducting three related anonymous surveys focused on open science practices in the country. The results will be used to develop recommendations and propose systemic measures for the coordinated advancement of open science in the Czech Republic beyond 2027.

The first survey is aimed at researchers from all disciplines and career levels. Its purpose is to understand how open science principles are perceived and implemented in practice, to identify challenges encountered during implementation, and to assess the available support. Completing the survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Data collection is open until July 10, 2025, and the survey can be accessed here.

The second survey targets those providing technical, methodological, or advisory support for open science within research institutions — including data stewards, repository managers, and training coordinators. It aims to map institutional support structures, available services, and key barriers to implementation. This survey takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and data collection has been extended until June 25, 2025. It is available here (only in Czech).

The third survey is intended for the executive leadership and management of research institutions. It focuses on the institutional implementation of open science principles, their incorporation into strategic documents, available infrastructure, tools, evaluation methods, and obstacles to adoption. Completing this survey takes 15 to 20 minutes, and data collection also runs until June 25, 2025. The survey is accessible 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.

EOSC-EDEN Survey on Long-Term Digital Data Preservation

The EOSC-EDEN project is conducting a survey focused on the identification, appraisal, and selection of digital research data for long-term preservation. The survey aims to understand which guidelines and frameworks professionals use in these processes and how these influence their daily practice. It is open to staff at all organizational levels working in research, cultural heritage, industry, or other sectors, regardless of the size of their organization. Participation is anonymous unless respondents choose to provide their email address. Completing the survey takes only a short time, and multiple responses from the same organization are welcome. Data collection is open until June 30, 2025. For questions, contact Laura Molloy at laura@codata.org. The survey 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 23, 2025