What are sister projects and why do they matter?

What are sister projects and why do they matter?

If you’ve seen the term “sister projects” pop up in our communications lately, there is a reason. CATALISI, aUPaEU, and Accelerate Future HEI have been closely collaborating to boost our impact across the European Union. But what exactly are “sister projects”, and why is this collaboration essential? 

What is a sister project?

In the context of EU-funded projects, a “sister project” refers to a related initiative funded under the same EU funding program, in our case, HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ERA-01-51 – Acceleration Services in support of the institutional transformation of Higher Education Institutions 

Sister projects share common objectives, and target audiences under this thematic focus, and are designed to complement each other by sharing insights, methodologies, and outcomes. Sister projects work together to explore shared opportunities, prevent duplication of efforts and optimise resources, to collectively achieve their shared goal of maximizing impact. 

HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ERA-01-51- Acceleration Services for Institutional Transformation of Higher Education Institutions

These 3 projects under the same EU program aim to enhance the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as drivers of knowledge and innovation. This includes offering acceleration services such as: 

  1. Coaching and support  
  1. Investment strategy methodology 
  1. Monitoring mechanism  

The projects CATALISI, Accelerate Future HEI, and aUPaEU share a unified vision to  promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Each project has its unique focus, but together, we address common challenges like enhancing R&I systems, ensuring funding sustainability, and building institutional capacity. 

  • CATALISI: Enhances regional and European R&I systems and promotes sustainable funding schemes. 
  • Accelerate Future HEI: Focuses on capacity building through skills development. 
  • aUPaEU: Facilitates R&I collaboration and develops sustainable tangible technologies via the Agora platform. 

How does CATALISI work with our sister projects?

In certain calls the European Commission expects you to join forces with the projects funded under the same topic and form a cluster of projects aiming to achieve similar goals. In our case, we focused on the communication and dissemination of results to maximise our impact. This is: 

  • Communication actions with sister projects
    • Knowledge exchange events: Meetings for project partners and external stakeholders to share experiences and identify synergies. 
    • Monthly Communication meetings: To develop a joint communication campaign and amplify project impact through a unified identity: 
      • Online campaigns with a common goal 
      • Participate in each other newsletter    
      • Blog articles

  • Dissemination actions  
    • Participation in webinars and, workshops (on and offline) 
    • Joint Policy Briefs to highlight shared achievements, commonalities, and areas for improvement across the projects. 
    • Joint online repository and Zenodo Community to share documents, coordinate activities, and enhance project visibility under the community “Acceleration Services in support of the institutional transformation of HEIs“. 

These initiatives aim to enhance collaboration, use shared resources, and maximise the collective impact of the projects on the institutional transformation of HEIs within the ERA policy framework. 

Coordinating across the three projects comes with challenges like scheduling conflicts and data collection hurdles. However, we’ve tackled these with flexible planning and robust digital tools. 

Looking ahead

Together, CATALISI, Accelerate Future HEI, and aUPaEU are making strides in promoting open science, enhancing research infrastructures, and fostering innovation partnerships. Our combined efforts are part of a broader mission to transform the higher education landscape in Europe. 

We will continue with our shared efforts to drive change in the HEI sector. Over the next few months, we are already planning joint activities so stay tuned for updates.  

Digitalization of​ Higher Education Institutions: Insights from the CATALISI 5th Webinar

Digitalization of​ Higher Education Institutions: Insights from the CATALISI 5th Webinar

In a recent insightful webinar, Dr. Thijs Broekhuizen from the University of Groningen Business School, along with Maddalena Illario and Erminia Attaianese from the University Federico II of Napoli, explored the evolving landscape of digital strategies in higher education. The discussion highlighted key aspects of integrating and implementing digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and underscored the continuous nature of digital transformation in academic institutions.

Beyond the hype: The ongoing journey of digitalization

Dr. Thijs Broekhuizen kicked off the webinar by emphasizing that digitalization in higher education is not a one-time project but a continuous process. Today, institutions face a new challenge with the integration of AI, which some fear might replace traditional teaching methods. However, Broekhuizen reassured that a balanced approach combining human educators and AI will remain superior for the foreseeable future.

He stressed that universities must treat digitalization as an ongoing transformation, requiring regular updates and a long-term commitment. This involves continuously upgrading infrastructure, training staff, and dedicating resources despite potential political and financial uncertainties. The key is to integrate these technological advancements seamlessly into the educational framework, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.

Aligning digital and corporate strategies

A significant point made by Broekhuizen was the importance of aligning digital strategies with the university’s core mission and corporate strategy. This alignment helps in clearly defining priorities, whether the focus is on optimizing student performance, enhancing campus experiences, or preparing students for future job markets. For instance, his institution focuses on providing an enriching on-campus experience, leveraging digital tools to enhance learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

Each institution’s digital strategy should reflect its unique goals. For some, this might involve using data analytics to reduce dropout rates, while others may prioritize equipping students with 21st-century skills or maintaining flexibility to adapt to fluctuating student enrollments. The underlying principle is to align technological initiatives with the fundamental “why” of the institution’s existence.

Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem

Broekhuizen highlighted the value of fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, both within and outside the university. He pointed to examples such as the problem-based learning model at Maastricht University, where students play an active role in preparing lectures. 

Moreover, a culture that encourages experimentation and tolerates failure is crucial for innovation. While universities often support grassroots projects through grants and contests, Broekhuizen cautioned against spreading resources too thin. It’s vital to prioritize projects that align with the broader strategic goals of the institution. Overextending into numerous small projects can lead to fragmentation and inefficiency, ultimately diluting the impact of digital initiatives.

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, these insights provide a valuable framework for institutions seeking to navigate the complexities of digitalization. By staying true to their core missions and placing people at the center of their strategies, universities can harness the power of technology to enhance education and prepare students for the future.

Exploring the role of digital and built environments in promoting active aging

Maddalena Illario and Erminia Attaianese from the University Federico II of Napoli shared their insights on the evolving training needs in healthcare amid digital transformation. Their discussion emphasized the importance of integrating digital tools and reimagining the built environment to enhance the quality of life for an aging population.

Addressing demographic shifts and health challenges

Maddalena Illario highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by an aging population, a phenomenon considered both a success and a challenge for healthcare systems. The increasing number of elderly individuals brings complexities related to healthcare delivery, including a shortage of healthcare professionals and the need for a shift in service models. Illario stressed the importance of adopting a proactive, anticipatory care approach rather than reactive, disease-focused treatment. This involves emphasizing healthy lifestyles from early life stages to prevent frailty and promote well-being in older age.

Only a small portion of health determinants (25%) are genetic, while the majority (75%) are influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. This statistic supports the need for a holistic approach to health, focusing on early interventions and lifestyle modifications to improve long-term health outcomes.

 

The role of built environment in health and well-being

Erminia Attaianese highlighted the significant impact of the built environment on health, particularly for older adults. Traditional approaches to designing spaces for the elderly often focus on segregated facilities or adapting homes for aging in place. However, Attaianese proposed a more inclusive, life-course approach that considers the needs of individuals at all stages of life.

This innovative approach involves creating multigenerational living spaces that promote interaction and support among different age groups. Such environments are designed to be ergonomic, digitally integrated, and conducive to health-promoting activities. For example, including outdoor spaces for physical activity, safe indoor areas, and digital infrastructure for health monitoring can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

 

Practical Applications: Living Labs and Educational Pathways

Attaianese introduces the importance of “Living Labs” as a practical framework for testing and implementing new ideas in real-world setting. These labs facilitate collaboration among students, professionals, and community members, allowing for hands-on experiences and the development of innovative solutions tailored to local needs.  In Italy, the Neot project, supported by the Ministry of Health, is an example of such an initiative, focusing on creating a national ecosystem that connects living labs and promotes the co-creation of health and wellness solutions.

Future healthcare professionals, including those from non-medical fields like architecture and cultural studies, need to be equipped with the skills to engage with older adults and understand their complex health needs. This interdisciplinary training is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies and integrating digital tools into everyday life.

In sum, the insights provided by Illario and Attaianese offer a comprehensive roadmap for fostering active aging through innovative approaches in healthcare and urban planning. By embracing a holistic, inclusive strategy, we can better support the health and well-being of all citizens.

For those who missed the live webinar, there’s good news. The recording is available on the CATALISI Learning Hub repository. This resource will provide valuable insights and guidance for HEIs looking to enhance their role in local innovation systems.

Stay tuned to the CATALISI Learning Hub for more updates and resources.

Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems: Insights from the CATALISI 4th Webinar

Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems: Insights from the CATALISI 4th Webinar

The CATALISI project continues to drive transformative change in higher education institutions, and its 4th webinar is no exception. Titled “Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems,” this event featured insights from Roberto San Salvador del Valle, Director of Deusto Cities Lab Chair, who shared thoughts and proposals on the UniverCity concept, an innovation ecosystem that blends technological innovation and human values.

Roberto highlighted the importance of moving beyond purely economic innovation. He emphasized the need for societal and democratic values in innovation to address the pressing global challenges we face today. This approach aligns perfectly with the CATALISI project’s objectives of fostering dynamic and collaborative environments for knowledge-sharing and institutional transformation.

Universities as Beacons of Innovation

Roberto’s message is clear: universities must serve as beacons of innovation, making conscious choices about areas to innovate that will genuinely benefit local communities. With their unique insights into their ecosystems, universities are in a prime position to understand and leverage their impact on cities and territories.

The CATALISI project supports this vision by facilitating knowledge-sharing, infrastructure development, and resource mobilization among higher education institutions (HEIs). By encouraging the dissemination of acquired knowledge and best practices, CATALISI promotes institutional transformations that are not only impactful but also sustainable.

 

For those who missed the live webinar, there’s good news. The recording is available on the CATALISI Learning Hub repository. This resource will provide valuable insights and guidance for HEIs looking to enhance their role in local innovation systems.

Stay tuned to the CATALISI Learning Hub for more updates and resources.

Second Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) workshop at Amsterdam UMC

Second Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) workshop at Amsterdam UMC

On April 11th, the CATALISI Amsterdam UMC team organised a Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) event in Amsterdam. With over 70 attendees from various universities across Europe, the workshop aimed at sharing knowledge and ideas on improving the Responsible Conduct of Research and stimulating a positive research culture.

Hosted by the Amsterdam UMC project leader, Miriam van Loon, the day started with an inspiring presentation by Mariëtte van den Hoven on instruments and initiatives for stimulating a positive research culture. Then Krishma Labib elaborated on the SOP4sRI projected more specifically. Additionally, Nathalie Trifkovic, policymaker and scientific integrity coordinator at the Vrije Universiteit, presented on the research culture policy at the university.

After sharing our knowledge, during the co-creation sessions we explored participants’ thoughts and international perspectives on how to improve research culture. Participants were asked to develop a metaphor for explaining research culture. It was interesting to see how defining research culture sparked many different interpretations, ranging from comparing research culture to an ecosystem or a puzzle, to even comparing research culture with the weather in the Netherlands…

An interactive poster session on different topics related to responsible conduct of research further stimulated the further exchange of both existing expertise and new ideas.

The day ended with a closing lecture by emeritus professor Lex Bouter, providing renewing insights into the challenges of scientific misconduct, such as papermills.

Overall, feedback showed that participants found the workshop to be very informative and inspiring, making them (even more) motivated to further stimulate a positive research culture in their own institutions and throughout Europe.  

The need of effective communication and dissemination in European Projects

The need of effective communication and dissemination in European Projects

The European Commission defines communication as the act of informing, promoting, and communicating activities, while dissemination involves making knowledge and results publicly available free-of-charge. 

Communication, dissemination, and exploitation are not just abstract concepts but are mandated legal obligations under Article 17 of the Horizon Europe Grant Agreement. This requirement underscores the critical importance of ensuring that scientific knowledge and research findings are shared widely and made accessible to all.

But why is this obligation so crucial? 

Historically, the field of science has been perceived as elitist, furthermore, the use of complex scientific jargon have often acted as barriers, preventing broader access to information and perpetuating cycles of exclusion. In the past, science communication was characterised by a one-way exchange, where scholars gathered in exclusive circles to discuss advancements, and the complexity of one’s discourse was sometimes equated with intelligence.  

Scientific developments and challenges are often global, rapidly evolving, and uncertain. This landscape paves the way for pseudoscience and misinformation, posing significant challenges to the dissemination of accurate scientific knowledge. 

The digital revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the communication of science with a growing recognition of the need for inclusive communication practices that engage diverse audiences and foster accessibility for all. 

It is crucial to make scientific information accessible to all. People should feel empowered and confident to engage with scientific information and feel competent enough to understand the knowledge. Promoting scientific literacy among the general public can empower individuals to critically evaluate information and distinguish between credible scientific sources and pseudoscience. Moreover, science communication should be tailored to the social context of different countries, empowering citizens to navigate scientific knowledge independently. 

To address the communication crisis, scientists must actively engage in public discourse and collaborate with communication professionals. Collaborating with media outlets, educational institutions, and community organisations can amplify the reach of accurate scientific information and foster a culture of science engagement. 

Open science principles, including making research freely available and fostering accurate and accountable scientific communities, are essential. 

 

The CATALISI project serves as a bridge connecting the realms of research and innovation with the broader public sphere. Through its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and alignment with market demands, CATALISI not only advances scientific endeavors but also ensures that the benefits of research reach the wider community.  

By fostering collaborative partnerships and innovative communication strategies, CATALISI facilitates the dissemination of accurate scientific information to the public, thereby bridging the gap between scientific developments and societal needs. In an era where effective communication is paramount, CATALISI’s efforts contribute to building public trust in science and promoting informed decision-making. Furthermore, by empowering diverse stakeholders to actively engage in the research process, CATALISI paves the way for a more inclusive and impactful approach to research and innovation. 

 

CATALISI Kick Off Meeting

Further read:

Reimagining Higher Education Research Financing -A Living Lab Approach

Reimagining Higher Education Research Financing -A Living Lab Approach

The horizon has changed, higher education research is experiencing intense new demands and priorities to act upon and contribute to global transformation processes such as the green and digital transition. While operating in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment, they must also strategically experiment with new forms of international collaboration, such as European University Alliances. These trends are affecting all dimensions of university life, but in particular their funding context, suggesting a need for innovative approaches and begging the following questions: Is innovation in HEI research funding possible? How can HEI funding adapt to the rapidly evolving globalising context HEI’s find themselves in? What implications do changes in the funding landscape have on governance and leadership? What is the capacity of universities themselves to think ahead and develop financial strategies? Which investment priorities are needed to future-proof activities? 

University College Cork (UCC), a partner in the EU Horizon Europe CATALISI[1] initiative, aims to reinject some re-imagination into this discussion and outline possible future paths for university research finances. A Living Lab at University College Cork is focusing on a cross-cutting target intervention area under the working title ‘Financial Sustainability for Research & Innovation’. In line with the Living Lab methodology embraced by CATALISI, a transformation approach has been adopted, prioritising participatory and iterative co-creation actions with stakeholders including university staff and students and external partners.

[1] The primary goal of the CATALISI project is to support seven Higher Education Institutions (so-called ‘Implementers’) in successfully implementing a strategy and individual pathway for Institutional transformation. CATALISI Higher Education Institutions (Implementers) are located in seven European countries, more specifically: Greece (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH), Lithuania (Kaunas University of Technology – KTU), Ireland (University College Cork – UCC), Poland (University of Gdańsk – UG), Spain (Jaume I University – UJI), Italy (Luiss Guido Carli University – LUISS), and Netherlands (Amsterdam University Medical Center – AUMC).

 

The CATALISI model focuses on three main domains for institutional transformation (Research careers and talent support, Open science and public engagement, and Sustainable research and education) composed by different intervention areas and intersected by seven targeted and innovative acceleration services (Living Labs, Design Lab for transformational pathway, and Counselling, Reinforce Human Capital; Predictive study on skills anticipation; Marketplace; Community of practice (CoP)). These are designed to facilitate and catalyse institutional transformations in the field of Research and Innovation which will strengthen HEI’s collaborations and alliances as lighthouses of European values.

While framing its Living Lab and the intervention area it is targeting, UCC recognised that financial sustainability is an integral and requisite part of realising sustainability in broader terms and within the context of a research and innovation ecosystem that interacts at local, regional, national, and international levels. Institutionally UCC is committed to continually strengthening its research and academic excellence. This intervention area is therefore strongly aligned to the university institutional strategy, leadership commitment and ambition around UCC’s Research and Innovation agenda. This is articulated under Goal 1 of the UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028 which sets out to ‘deliver impactful research and innovation that addresses global grand challenges in signature areas of excellence’.

The role of the UCC Living Lab is to collaboratively engage with stakeholders to explore the current state of affairs and to co-design, develop and pilot new models and practices, thus accelerating transformation, a key goal of CATALISI, towards a more financially sustainable research and innovation ecosystem. The Living Lab approach to collaboratively examine and plan for financial sustainability is particularly relevant to the institution considering the complexity and scale of the issues to be addressed. Participants in the Living Lab have highlighted the following issues:

Firstly, in Ireland, there is a relatively low level of Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), one of the lowest investment in R&I of OECD countries. In addition, a high proportion of total research income to UCC comes from a small number of large-scale research centres, with an over reliance on one single state funding agency, presenting a need for more balance to ameliorate risk.

Research income for the most part, solely covers direct research project costs. In many cases, the small institutional overhead provided (indirect costs) by a research grant does not sufficiently support the full cost to the institution of supporting a funded research project. For example, additional needs include support from staff in the research office, finance office, legal office, human resources department, Library, and many other support services over the lifetime of the grant.

As there is no mechanism currently for retaining overhead institutionally to invest in strategic initiatives or capacity building initiatives, an enhanced strategic model of income allocation is required for longer term financial sustainability, as without the ability to invest strategically, the institution is compromised.

For example, increasingly UCC, as a local regional institution, is experiencing issues related to brain drain, talent retention and attraction. It needs to unlock mechanisms to better retain, attract and sustain a pipeline of research talent. This requires identifying and unlocking financial mechanisms that enable institutional development in this area.

In addition, staff have identified Pre and Post Award grant support as an issue for researchers outside of research centres. Staff have identified a range of support needs for College and School based researchers, in particular – grants involving complex community partnerships (co-hiring, co-financing, co-researching etc.) which require deeper research supports than are currently available. UCC’s research and innovation context is also one of rapid pace of change with respect to Open Science. Currently, there is an ad-hoc fragmented approach to Open Science because of financial constraints with regard to planning for future needs.

Secondly, UCC Living Lab stakeholders are concerned about a context where research priorities are increasingly set by external funding agencies, with a narrowing of research topics and a need for greater diversity and more institutionally determined topics. With regard to institutional autonomy, UCC finds itself relatively constrained regarding its ability to fund and support an institutionally determined and driven research agenda – within a wider context of a funding policy and culture determined nationally and at European level.

In addition, Funders are also increasingly encouraging societal engagement as an aspect of research proposals, but without consideration of the collaborative design, planning and ongoing partnership over many years needed with external partners to enable meaningful and impactful research. Systems and supports are needed to realise truly transformative rather than transactional relationships between higher education and society. In this regard, there is currently a disconnect between university research systems, societal actors, funding instruments, policymakers and the public, presenting a need and opportunity for advocacy to funding bodies and policymakers to address these issues.

With the launch of CATALISI’s acceleration service, a Living Lab, UCC finds itself more equippedto identify the issues and progress innovation towards the ‘Financial Sustainability of Research & Innovation’. Its capacity to think strategically and to also think ahead as an organization has been enhanced through identifying and partnering with its stakeholders, internally and externally. We are now positioned to gather valuable insights into the local context, barriers, and the framework conditions that impact our potential for institutional transformation. The involvement of quadruple helix stakeholders – Academia, Business, Public Administration, and Civil Society – has added a mosaic of perspectives, needs, and expectations to our thinking. Our determination now is to progress action plans, informed by our stakeholders, and indeed with our stakeholders, ultimately accelerate and drive an effective transformation.

Improving Research Careers: Insights from the Third CATALISI Webinar

Improving Research Careers: Insights from the Third CATALISI Webinar

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance research and innovation in universities and support the career development of students and professionals, the CATALISI project hosted its third webinar titled “Recognition of Qualifications in Research Careers: Skills in Research and Beyond.” This webinar is part of a series aimed at bolstering research departments and careers.

One of the key initiatives of the CATALISI project is the creation of a free repository of resources to assist universities and individuals in accessing training materials. These resources are designed to empower participants to enhance their reseach skills at their own pace and convenience.

All materials, including recordings of past webinars, are readily available on the CATALISI website: The Learning Hub.

In our latest webinar, we were privileged to have two distinguished speakers share their expertise with us. Erica Feliziani, Research Advisor at the University of Macerata, delved into the essential skills and training required for European research managers, drawing insights from the CARDEA project.

Surveys conducted as part of this project underscored the importance of a diverse skill set, with a particular emphasis on soft skills. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in perceived training opportunities, indicating a preference for practical and flexible training approaches.

In response to these findings, CATALISI is actively developing flexible and practical training programs tailored to the needs identified in the surveys. We invite all stakeholders to participate in shaping these initiatives and driving positive change in research management.

 

Our second speaker, Rrap Kryeziu, a senior consultant at EY, shed light on a predictive study focusing on the soft skills researchers will need to thrive in the labor market. Through interviews with over 45 vice-rectors, deans, and 1700 PhD students across Europe, valuable insights were gathered. The survey results, reflecting self-assessment scores by PhD students on various research competencies, identified areas where improvement is desired.

This predictive study will be a valuable addition to CATALISI’s deliverables and will be accessible to everyone after the summer. We encourage all stakeholders to stay tuned for further insights into the labor market and research competencies.

By collaborating and leveraging our collective expertise, we can foster a more dynamic and resilient research ecosystem, ultimately driving innovation and societal impact. Together, let’s shape the future of research and innovation.

CATALISI second Webinar “Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

CATALISI second Webinar "Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

The second Webinar was hosted by EY on February 8th: Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

The objectives of the webinar include:
🔹 Sharing best practices and research findings on Open Science
🔹 Fostering dialogues and collaboration among experts in this sector
🔹 Identifying Multilingualism as a Catalyst for Open Science

We had the pleasure to count on two incredible speakers:
Tycho Hofstra is a data steward at the University Library of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He Provided good information on open science can become a chore for both researcher and data professional, but doesn’t have to be. Perhaps we can sneak in some fun to make the principles and good practices stick better? In this talk, we’ll look at some of the challenges in getting researchers to talk and think about open science and the ways Dutch university libraries try to break the ice.

Johanna Havemann,Dr. is a trainer and consultant in Open Scholarly Communication Research Project Management. She is also the co-founder and lead coordinator at AfricArXiv – the publishing platform to increase the discoverability of African research accomplishments. With a focus on digital tools for science and her label Access 2 Perspectives, she aims to strengthen globally inclusive science communication and research management through the adoption of Open Science practices. Her speech focused on how to analyzation and encourage a different approach to Open Science through multilingualism.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to listen to the recording in the Learning Hub: https://lnkd.in/dUXaahkb

Mobilisation and Mutual Learning event at UJI

Mobilisation and Mutual Learning event at UJI

The 19th of January 2024 took place the “Mobilisation and Mutual Learning event: advancing towards Responsible Research Practices in UJI” at Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain.

The meeting was organised by UJI CATALISI members Ramón Feenstra, Laura Bernal, Carlota Carretero, and Elsa Gonzalez and it was attended by CATALISI members from APRE, UCC, UG, KTU, AUTH, AUMC, LUISS and also by some UJI researchers and technical staff. The goals of this event were, on the one hand, to explain the work that has been done at UJI regarding responsible research practices and research integrity and also present inspiring initiatives from other universities. On the other hand, discuss with the participants the ways in which UJI can promote a scale of indicators to measure performance on Open Access (OA) and also how to boost the involvement of UJI’s ethics committee with researchers.

On the first part of the event, three speakers shared their experience improving research assessment and research ethics structures in Spanish universities. First, Margarita Vergara (adjunct Vice-rector of Research at UJI) explained the work done at UJI regarding the transformation of research assessment criteria and also the upcoming challenges. Second, Elsa González Esteban (Vice-rector of Social Policies and CATALISI member) shared the work done in the framework of the ETHNA System project, where a set of tools for RRI were developed: an ethical code, an ethics committee, an ethical hotline and process indicators to report. Last, Alberto Pastor, from Miguel Hernández University (UMH), explained their experience implementing IRIU, a system to measure researchers’ adherence to the UMH guidelines for responsibility in research and also with the Sustainable Development Goals.

On the second part of the event, there was a co-creation session with the rest of the participants dedicated to advancing in the development of research ethics tools. During this session, moderated by Ramón Feenstra and Laura Bernal, CATALISI members and also UJI researchers and technical staff discussed the potential and also the obstacles for the implementation of a scale to measure researchers’ performance on OA and how to improve the work of the UJI ethics committee. Regarding the first topic, some questions such as the need for economic support, the need for a cultural change, making mandatory for projects with public funding to publish in OA or the promotion of role models and PhD teaming in spreading good practices in OA were brought up. Regarding the work of the ethics committee, it was suggested to implement fines or a system for reporting people who violate research integrity or to create a platform for complaints. Also, it was considered helpful for researchers to be able to see the state of the process of going through the ethics committee.

Finally, it is worth noting that, during this event, plenty of interesting ideas, reflections and discussions regarding the current state and the future of research ethics and research assessment came out. It also served to share the current state of this topic in the Spanish context and to suggest specific tools for improving its development.

 

“This event was very fruitful for reflecting about the creation of specific tools for the promotion of research ethics at UJI”
Ramon Feenstra
Associate professor at Jaume I University

CATALISI General Assembly at UJI

CATALISI General Assembly at UJI

On January 18th, the Consortium gathered in Castellón, Spain for the CATALISI first General Assembly bringing inspirational ideas and fruitful discussions!

The meeting  was a great opportunity for the partners to share the achievements of the first year and exchange ideas on the next steps to be taken in the upcoming months.  Amongst the results achieved,  it is worth mentioning: the realization of the  Learning Hub, a digital space for exchanging webinars on topics related to Research & Innovation, the CATALYST Hub, dedicated to the mapping of relevant funding opportunities tailored to higher education institutions, and finally the Community of Practice, a group of people with 116 members from 20 European countries who share expertise and experience in institutional transformation in HEIs.

The General Assembly was even an opportunity for the Higher Education Institutions partners to exchange amongst peers the individual pathway  towards their own institutional transformation, given their specific contexts and challenges. The open discussion allowed to share several ideas on how to accelerate this institutional transformation in the field of Research and Innovation (R&I).

This General Assembly marked a crucial step in the identification of the key actions to be undertaken in 2024 thanks to different co-creation workshops facilitated by ENoLL, AUTH, APRE and F6S. The first co-creation workshop facilitated by APRE “Matchmaking and sharing of expertise from MML and Twinning”, aimed at advancing towards the organization of the Twinning exchanges, that HEIs are expected to perform during the next two years. In order to do so, participants, through a peer-to-peer exchange, validated the results emerged from the Matchmaking analysis and put forward the final proposals for the Twinning activities. Each HEI will visit at least three other HEIs through onsite exchanges, to learn about best practices and take advantage from the expertise provided by the host institution in the intervention areas where they need more support.

APRE also facilitated the workshop on “CoP future perspectives” with the aim to gather feedback and discuss with partners about the ways to best engage and animate the members of the Community of practice for the benefits of the project. Several ideas emerged related to the organization and topic for the next MML online workshop with the CoP, as well as interesting ideas on how to involve the CoP members more actively in CATALISI activities such as including some of them as mentors, coaches or in dissemination activities and in onsite workshops.