Explained

Scientific discovery and research impact are highly dependent on the open sharing of scientific data and research outputs. However, a significant part of scientific data is not shared openly, is not stored in a trusted and sustainable repository, and is poorly annotated or not formatted in a standardised way allowing for machine-readability.

Action 1 of the first ERA Policy Agenda (2022-2024) aims to address these issues by facilitating a system of open sharing, seamless access, and reliable re-use of research data. It contributes to deepening a truly functioning internal market for knowledge. The activities under Action 1 are complementary to other ERA Actions, in particular Action 2 on a copyright and data legislative framework fit for research, Action 3 on research assessment and Action 8 on research infrastructures.

Horizon Europe plays a key role in delivering on open science. For example, Horizon Europe has provided funding to develop and pilot the main building blocks, as well as tools and services of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), to support the transition towards responsible research data management based on the FAIR principles, to support the development of skills for open science and FAIR data management practices, and to monitor policies and practices across Europe around open science and EOSC. Horizon Europe has also funded actions aimed to examine the key drivers that hamper the reproducibility of research results, to develop pilot tools to increase their reproducibility and robustness, and to support open access in scientific publishing.

On this page, you can find relevant resources and tools, ongoing projects and upcoming calls for proposals, and insights on outcomes and impacts of Horizon Europe support for open science.