The goal of Linnaeus University’s open science project is for the entire university to be guided by the principle of “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”. Achieving this requires effective support where it is easy to do the right thing. The ultimate justification for this is to realise academic freedom in a digitalised world. Open science is the Enlightenment ideal adapted for the digital age.
On April 5, 2023, the vice-chancellor decided on a project assignment for open science. The project, which includes five sub-projects, runs for two years and ends on April 30, 2025.
Subproject Open Educational Resources
The subproject aims to improve infrastructure, support, and incentives for the production and use of open educational resources. Such resources can be defined as digitized material provided free and openly for teachers, students, and self-learners to use and reuse. The ultimate goal is to create high-quality education that is equitable and sustainable, and that provides opportunities for lifelong learning for all.
Currently, interviews are being conducted with colleagues at Linnaeus University with the goal of understanding what efforts will be required. It is already clear that there will be a need for investment in training or further education for both teachers and administrative/technical staff in the creation and availability of open educational resources.
Both a Policy and Cultural Issue
In the near future, the subproject will also begin work on a basis and proposal for a process to develop a policy and guidance for Linnaeus University that includes the production, publication, and use of open educational resources.
A challenge in the subproject’s work is the cultural change required to reach the goal. The norms and traditions within the academic merit system need to be replaced by clear incentives to produce and publish open educational resources.
“It must be rewarding in one’s career, and we will propose a roadmap for how Linnaeus University can work towards such a sharing culture,” says Helena Wickenberg Juhlin, deputy project manager.