Conclusion

Open Science as Good Scientific Practice

Open Science is not an additional layer of obligations or an administrative burden. It is the natural extension of the values that have always guided scientific inquiry: rigour, transparency, reproducibility, and the collective advancement of knowledge. By adopting practices such as open access publishing, FAIR data management, open licensing, and responsible evaluation, researchers strengthen the reliability and credibility of their work.

For doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, Open Science is also a way of building solid scientific habits early in their careers. Good documentation, clear data organisation, the use of open formats, and the publication of datasets or code are not only compliance requirements—they are essential practices that make research easier to manage, share, and validate. In this sense, Open Science aligns perfectly with what we understand as good scientific practice.

Long-term Benefits for Research Careers and Society

For researchers, engaging with Open Science practices has direct career benefits. Publications and datasets that are openly accessible reach wider audiences, receive more citations, and attract potential collaborators. Open practices demonstrate transparency and integrity, qualities increasingly valued in grant applications, institutional evaluations, and hiring processes. By developing expertise in Open Science, early-career researchers also position themselves as leaders in a research environment where openness is becoming the norm.

For society, the benefits are equally significant. Open Science accelerates innovation by making knowledge more widely available to industry, policymakers, educators and citizens. It supports evidence-informed decision-making, fosters citizen engagement in research, and helps address global challenges—such as health crises, climate change and sustainability—through collective scientific efforts. It also strengthens public trust in science by making research more transparent and accountable.

Ultimately, Open Science represents a cultural transformation in how knowledge is produced and shared. By embracing its principles, researchers not only comply with funder and institutional requirements but also contribute to a more inclusive, efficient and impactful scientific enterprise that benefits both the research community and society at large.