Welcome to study the Basics of Open and Responsible Science!
This study material provides an overview of the key elements of open science, including citizen science, open access (OA) publishing, open research data, and open education. You will gain an understanding of what open science is and why it is something you should care about. Collaboration, sharing scientifically grounded knowledge as well as following legislation, principles of responsible research, research ethics and good scientific practices at all stages of the research are an integral part of open science.
This material consists of five modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to open and responsible science
- Module 2: Citizen science
- Module 3: Open access publishing
- Module 4: Open research data
- Module 5: Open education
After studying the material, you can…
- explain the basic concepts of open and responsible science and evaluate the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of open science.
- consider the impact of key open science policies and recommendations on your own research.
- apply open science practices and utilize open science services at different stages of your research lifecycle.
How to use this learning material
Anyone can use this open study material for self-studying. You can find the page menu from the upper right corner. Plus-symbol shows you the subpages. There are plenty of links in the study material. Consider opening the links in a new tab, so you don’t get lost.
UEF and YUFE postgraduate students: If you want to earn the credits (2 ECTS), you need to register for this course (code: 8000EO42) via Peppi (UEF students) or via YUFE Virtual Campus (YUFE students). The teacher will contact you for more details after your registration. You will complete three elective modules in addition to the mandatory introductory module for everyone.
Before you start
First, consider what do you already know about open science. What kind of themes and concepts relates to it? How have you practiced open science so far? Then, go through this material. Hopefully this learning material will help to expand your vision about open science.
Material produced by: Airaksinen Riikka, Eronen Helena, Hartikainen Kaisa, Karhapää Anne, Kinnunen Tomi, Kolehmainen Ville, Kuittinen Marja, Lyytikäinen Merja, Nyrönen Jaakko, Rosti Tomi, Saikkonen Mika, Satama Manna, Savolainen Sanna (University of Eastern Finland).
Funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101006318 was utilized to produce part of the material.
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Updated: 8/2025