Improving Research Transparency: UK Reproducibility Network Survey Data – Scientific Data
In recent years, the push for open and transparent research practices has gained momentum on a global scale. Initiatives like cOAlition S and the European Open Science Cloud have set the stage for widespread adoption of open access and data sharing requirements. The UK has been a key player in driving these efforts, with a long history of promoting open research dating back to early discussions on open access policies in the early 2000s.
The UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) has been at the forefront of promoting reproducibility and research integrity. Established in 2019, the UKRN is a national consortium focused on understanding and addressing factors contributing to poor research quality. As part of their efforts, the UKRN conducted the Open and Transparent Research Practices (OTRP) survey to assess the state of open research practices among research-active staff in UK institutions.
The OTRP survey covered a wide range of topics related to open research practices, including research co-production, data management, pre-registration of research protocols, and open access publishing. The survey aimed to gather insights on self-reported practices, perceived importance of open research topics, available support and training, and barriers faced by researchers in implementing open and transparent research practices.
Over 2500 submissions were received, with 20% fully completed and 26% partially completed. The survey results provide valuable information on the current landscape of open research practices in UK institutions. While the data may be subject to biases such as self-reporting and participation bias, it offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in promoting open and transparent research.
Moving forward, the survey data can be used to identify areas that require greater investment, highlight barriers to open research practices, and pinpoint training needs in the topics investigated. By understanding the practices and infrastructures already in place, institutions can make informed decisions to support open and reproducible research.
In conclusion, the OTRP survey conducted by the UK Reproducibility Network sheds light on the state of open research practices in UK institutions. The data collected provides a valuable resource for identifying needs, addressing barriers, and enhancing support for open and transparent research. As the research landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the UKRN play a crucial role in advancing research integrity and fostering a culture of openness in academia.
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The dataset and analysis code are openly available for researchers to explore and analyze. The OTRP survey data provides a valuable resource for understanding the current state of open research practices in UK institutions and identifying areas for improvement and investment. As the research landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the UKRN play a crucial role in promoting research integrity and fostering a culture of openness in academia.