Shaping the future of research: OPUS Final Conference in Paris, 9–10 July 2025

The OPUS (Open and Universal Science) project, of which the MCAA is a partner, will hold its Final Conference on 9–10 July 2025 at the UNESCO International Institute of Educational Planning (IIEP) in Paris. The two-day event will bring together leading voices in research, policy, and academia to discuss the future of Open Science and responsible research assessment across Europe and beyond.
The conference will highlight the main outcomes and key exploitable results of the OPUS project, with particular focus on how Open Science policies can be practically implemented at both institutional and national levels. Participants may attend either in person or online via Zoom.
As a Horizon Europe project aiming to transform research assessment, OPUS has developed and piloted a new approach to recognising, incentivising, and rewarding Open Science practices. This includes the creation of new indicators, a comprehensive Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF), and tested interventions within Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs).
Conference highlights
Venue: UNESCO International Institute of Educational Planning (IIEP)
Address: 7–9 rue Eugène-Delacroix, 75116 Paris, France
Dates: 9–10 July 2025
Participation: Online (Zoom) – Register Here!
Key themes and topics
Main outcomes and lessons learned
Presentation of OPUS results, including the Research Assessment Framework (RAF), policy recommendations, and insights for RFOs and RPOs.
Panel discussion: Research assessment and Open Science
Moderated by Gareth O’Neill, OPUS Scientific Coordinator (TGB), with panellists:
- Ana Persic (UNESCO)
- James Morris (Science Europe)
- Louise Bezuidenhout (Leiden University)
- René von Schomberg (RWTH Aachen University)
- Pil Maria Saugmann (Eurodoc)
Assessing researchers and incentivising Open Science
Explore new indicators covering open access, reproducibility, early sharing, open peer review, and stakeholder engagement.
The Researcher Assessment Framework (RAF)
A new evaluation system based on Proposal Development, Methods, Research Outputs, and Impact, with emphasis on Open Science contributions.
Piloting research assessment reform
Showcasing pilot implementations at:
- RPOs: Nova University of Lisbon, University of Cyprus, University of Rijeka
- RFOs: UEFISCDI (Romania), Research Council of Lithuania
Supporting interventions for Open Science adoption
From policy shifts to training and repository development, OPUS interventions are designed to create sustainable Open Science cultures.
Progress and policy Integration
The conference will address next steps, including:
- Updated Open Science indicators
- The Open Science Career Assessment Matrix (OS-CAM2)
- Final policy briefs and recommendations for integrating Open Science into mainstream research evaluation.
About OPUS
The OPUS project is coordinated by The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) and implemented by a consortium of 18 organisations across Europe. These partners represent the full spectrum of Open Science expertise, spanning open access, inclusion, equity, and sharing, working together to reshape how research is assessed and valued.
Join us to explore how Open Science can be implemented not only as policy but as a lasting practice within the heart of research institutions and funding bodies.
More information and registration: https://opusproject.eu/opus-