Open Science is the way to go
I had the privilege of attending the Ticket to Open Science (OS) course at UC3M. Throughout the sessions and OS Cafes, we thoroughly explored both the principles and practical aspects of OS across various fields. Many topics, such as open peer review, citizen science, and FAIR data, were new to me. I was particularly pleased with the extensive range of OS infrastructures, tools, and repositories introduced in this course, all of which are invaluable for a PhD student’s scientific journey.
The OS course motivated me to become an open and responsible scientist. It equipped me with practical skills and tools essential for research practices. For instance, I learned to use RMarkdown to enhance reproducibility, Argos to build comprehensive data management plans (DMPs), and AI to create narrative CVs. I gained a thorough understanding of the FAIR and CARE principles and learned about the critical importance of DMPs, metadata, repositories, and ORCID identifiers. Furthermore, I recognized the benefits of using open licenses and the significance of publishing research results and relevant materials on open science platforms.
Ultimately, this course broadened my knowledge of best practices to follow throughout the life cycle of my thesis and highlighted the critical role of OS in my research process. The course underscored that the more open we are, the greater the benefits for both ourselves and the broader community. I am deeply grateful to the expert team for their exceptional organization of the sessions and for generously sharing their knowledge. This experience has undoubtedly set a strong foundation for my future endeavors in scientific research.