Introduction

Open science is a term that encompasses a multitude of practices that, taken together, change the way research is conducted. It aims to make the entire scientific information cycle more transparent, collaborative and open to society as a whole. This transformation is largely the result of a social movement driven by the various stakeholders in the world of research, and has, in recent years, taken shape in the content of research policies and funding conditions. As in the LIBER Association’s document Identifying Open Science Skills for Library Staff & Researchers, the many aspects affected by open science can be analysed in five broad areas: research integrity, FAIR data, open access, transparent metrics and rewards, and citizen science.

These new practices define a new environment in which new types of professionals are needed to guide research staff. They require the design of new procedures and the organization of necessary institutional structures. In general, the constant evolution of open science practices and research funding conditions requires not only that researchers are aware of and work on developing related competences, but also that support staff in research institutions are adequately trained to advise them.

This changing scenario has given rise to a growing demand for training and professional development for staff involved in research support – a need to which this course aims to respond. This training is primarily intended for staff from university and research libraries, management teams in university and research centres, and staff from management units in research institutes, centres and facilities, who carry out activities related to research assessment, research support and knowledge management, and who want to improve their knowledge, incorporate the experience into their work and reflect on their adaptation to this new environment.