ICIQ Open Data Day: A step forward in Open Science

The second edition of the ICIQ Open Data Day, held on 17 March 2025, gathered around 80 attendees to discuss Open Science policies and receive training on data repositories. The event focused on policy updates, researcher evaluation metrics, and practical aspects of data sharing.

The morning session featured discussions on Open Science policies, including new evaluation indicators for researchers and institutional guidelines for data sharing. Dr. Pilar Rico (FECYT) provided an overview of the Spanish Strategy on Open Science, while Dr. José Luis Aznarte (ANECA) discussed new indicators for researcher evaluation in the context of Open Science. Núria Benítez (CERCA) presented guidelines and requisites for CERCA Centres, followed by Dr. Ignasi Labastida (UB), who addressed IP management in Open Science.

“Open Science is a valuable contribution from the scientific community to the promotion of human rights. With European, Spanish, and Catalan regulations guiding us, there are tools available to help you become an active participant in the Open Science movement. At CERCA, we are committed to supporting you on this path—not as controllers of your performance, but as the coaches that drive you through this journey.” Núria Benítez, Strategy Area and Open Science Officer, CERCA.

The afternoon session focused on hands-on training for ICIQ researchers, covering the use of ioChem-BD, CORA.RDR, and eChemPad for data management and sharing. Moisés Àlvarez (ICIQ) led the session on ioChem-BD, Mireia Alcalá (CSUC) provided insights into CORA.RDR, and Aleix Mariné-Tena (ICIQ) conducted the eChemPad training. Participants were required to bring their own laptops and have an active ioChem-BD account.

Open Data and institutional policy development

The event was held at a time when ICIQ is finalising its institutional Open Science policy, and this second edition of the ICIQ Open Data Day served as an essential training activity within this framework. By addressing both policy and practical implementation, the event contributed to the institute’s efforts to align with Open Science standards.

“At ICIQ, we are continuously working towards digitalising and enhancing our research processes. Our Open Science portal, which houses our policy document, guidelines, and key tools like ioChem-BD, represents a significant step forward in fostering transparency and collaboration. Today’s Open Data Day is an important opportunity to learn and implement the practices that will shape the future of research.” Prof. Carles Bo, Group Leader, ICIQ.

Prof. Bo is member of the ICIQ Open Science working group, composed of group leaders, research support staff, Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) personnel, and management staff to oversee Open Science initiatives and policy implementation.