2025-07-11

OPUS Project: How Europe Is Shaping a Fairer Research Assessment System

The final conference of the “Open and Universal Science” (OPUS) project was held at the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning in Paris. Researchers, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across Europe gathered to discuss the evolving approaches to research assessment and the promotion of open science.

The main outcome of the project – the Researcher Assessment Framework – was presented during the event. This tool supports research institutions in evaluating researchers not only by the number of their publications or citations but also by their contributions to collaboration, data openness, and public engagement with science.

OPUS project participants from Romania, Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, and Lithuania shared the results of their actions and experiences on how to implement real reforms – from fair data management plans to developing clear science policy at the institutional level.

The Research Council of Lithuania implemented one of the five action plans, and our Office’s team – Ombudsperson Dr. Reda Cimmperman and analysts Dr. Birutė Lieke and Dr. Eglė Ozolinčiūtė – actively contributed to the project by sharing their expertise in academic ethics and promoting a culture of responsible science.

“Our values are reflected in the way we plan research – in the aspects we consider in advance to ensure processes are smooth, academically ethical, and transparent,” said Dr. Eglė Ozolinčiūtė.

The Office’s representatives were genuinely impressed not only by the outstanding outcomes of the OPUS project but also by its professional management, the collaborative atmosphere, and the high-level participants – field experts and researchers whose knowledge and experience are driving meaningful changes in European science policy.

Learn more about the project here.