Trinity’s Prof Jo-Hanna Ivers secures funding from National Open Research Forum

Posted on: 04 October 2023

This week, Ireland’s National Open Research Forum (NORF) announced funding for thirteen new consortia-based projects designed to advance the implementation of the National Action Plan for Open Research 2022-2030 and to build national capacity and infrastructure for open research. The projects are supported by over €1.76 million from NORF’s Open Research Fund 2023, provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The Trinity-hosted project, entitled ENGAGED: Co-Creating Ireland’s Public Engagement and Open Research Road Map, involves sectoral stakeholders from higher education institutions, funding agencies, relevant government departments and community organisations to understand perceptions of, benefits, risks and needs around public engagement and the open research reformation. The project will be led by Jo-Hanna Ivers, Associate Professor in Addictions & Associate Dean of Civic Engagement & Social Innovation at Trinity College Dublin.

Through an extensive consultative process, the project builds knowledge, capacity and the network for co-creating and implementing an evidence-informed Public Engagement and Open Research Roadmap, with agreed actions, timelines and key performance indicators.

Prof Jo-Hanna Ivers said:

"Open research is the cornerstone of civic engagement, a powerful catalyst that propels knowledge beyond academic institutions and into the hands of communities. By making research findings freely accessible, we democratise information, empowering citizens with the tools to understand, question, and contribute to societal progress. Open research is not just a dissemination strategy; it's a commitment to inclusivity and the belief that knowledge should be a shared societal asset. In fostering transparency, collaboration, and accessibility, open research becomes a force for positive change, transforming academic insights into actionable knowledge that resonates across diverse communities, driving collective impact for a better, more informed society."

"In an open research ecosystem, information flows freely, enabling communities to make informed decisions, advocate for change, and collaboratively address societal challenges. It empowers communities to actively participate in shaping policies, driving innovation, and creating a more equitable and sustainable society."

More about ENGAGED: Co-Creating Ireland’s Public Engagement and Open Research Road Map

This project leads with a comprehensive international evidence review to establish a robust foundation on public engagement and open science in the Irish context, which currently does not exist. By openly sharing study elements, this project harnesses the power of open research principles and facilitates evidence-informed decision-making, ultimately advancing quality approaches to public engagement and open research, resulting in excellent research and a fairer, more inclusive, and responsible research ecosystem. 

More about NORF Open Research Fund 2023

NORF is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science through the Higher Education Authority. NORF’s Open Research Fund is administered by the Digital Repository of Ireland, the coordinating organisation for NORF, which is headquartered at the Royal Irish Academy.

Further information about the Open Research Fund 2023 is available here.

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