MLE on Open Science – Altmetrics and Rewards

MLE [Mutual Learning Exercise] on Open Science – Report on different types of Altmetrics

Altmetrics data are mainly gathered from readily available online sources, making altmetrics highly relevant in the context of Open Science. This report gives participants in the MLE on Open Science an overview of the different types of altmetrics currently being used or investigated for the purpose of research assessment, and their benefits and challenges. Based on a review of the situation in the Member States, it is clear that altmetrics are not yet being used for research evaluation purposes. Altmetrics hold a lot of promise, but it is too early to use them for research evaluation where funding decisions or hiring or promotion processes are concerned. More research is needed.

MLE [Mutual Learning Exercise] on Open Science – Report on Altmetrics and Rewards

Altmetrics has the opportunity to promote Open Science by broadening our understanding of impact, thus reflecting the need to update standards and motivateresearchers to focus on quality not quantity of research. This report starts by giving a brief overview of Open Science and the academic reward system in general, followed by a discussion about how altmetrics could contribute to the academic reward system, and how altmetrics could promote wider adoption of Open Science in the Member States. Altmetrics are, however, not ready to be used alone for research assessment. More information is needed about the meaning of altmetrics and limitations of data sources before practical and reliable applications of altmetrics can be developed.

Mutual Learning Exercise: Open Science – Altmetrics and Rewards – Incentives and Rewards to engage in Open Science Activities (Thematic Report No 3)

This report provides a systematic overview of the advantages and challenges of supporting Open Science activities, and the incentives and rewards that most effectively encourage the adoption and implementation of Open Science policies. Building on discussions among participants in the Mutual Learning Exercise on Open Science, the report identifies key concerns and feedback by Member States on how Open Science can and should be fostered. It then suggests the incentives and rewards (and related motivations and strategies) that apply to three groups of key stakeholders in Open Science: (1) researchers themselves; (2) research-performing institutions and funding bodies; and (3) national governments. In conclusion, a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of incentive is provided, with suggestions on who is responsible for managing its implementation.