What is Open Data?

Open Data refers to the practice of publishing research data in a way that makes it available for anyone to access, use and share. This can be in compliance with theFindable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable principles.  
By adhering to the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles, data is made discoverable, accessible and interoperable, promoting transparency, collaboration and reproducibility in research.
This not only benefits researchers but also the general public by enabling their participation in citizen science through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, ultimately leading to more diverse perspectives, more data and more discoveries.
This requires good scientific practice and management and thus falls under the category of Research Data Management (RDM). 

RDM involves a life-cycle approach to managing data, including planning, collection, analysis, preservation, sharing, and reuse. By following this cycle, data can be made openly available and reusable.

Data Management Planning

A Data Management Plan (DMP) outlines how data are to be handled both during a research project and after the project is completed. This includes how research data will be collected, processed, stored, and shared during and after a research project. It is strongly advised to prepare a DMP before the start of a research project.

GSI/FAIR offers the software RDMO (Research Data Management Organiser) for the preparation of DMPs.
This tool simplifies the process of preparing and updating DMPs within a project.
Within the software, catalogues for GSI/FAIR projects, as well as for Horizon Europe projects can be found.
Instructions on use can be found here.

Data Publication

GSI/FAIR actively promotes the publishing of research data whenever possible within the bounds of legal, ethical, and technology transfer mandates. The data may also be subject to appropriate embargo periods. Data should be published with a persistent identifier, such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) in suitable repositories.For licencing, CC-BY-4.0 is advised.

The handling of research data should, as best as possible, conform to the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (F.A.I.R-principles) for scientific data management and stewardship. These principles act as an internationally recognised standard for the publishing of research data. See here for the guidelines, and a summary of the points here:  GO-FAIR FAIR Principles.

The Helmholtz Program Oriented Funding IV (POF IV) now requires published research data, as well software and journal articles to be counted for each Helmholtz centre as quality indicators. Thus, GSI/FAIR has recently implemented a strategy and is taking necessary actions to ensure compliance with this requirement.
For instructions on the publication of research data (and research software) at GSI/FAIR please refer to this link.

The Research Data Management Team can be contacted for questions, comments, support and advice: open-science(at)gsi.de

The GSI/FAIR Policy on Research Data Management can be found here (2023).

GSI/FAIR Guidelines on Research data management can be found here (2023).

What is Open Software?

Open software, also known as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), refers to software that can be used, modified, and distributed without any legal or technical restrictions. It is made available on trusted platforms, allowing anyone to access, reuse, and modify it for any purpose.
GSI/FAIR commits to open source software principles that ensure that the software produced in our laboratory is made available in a way that respects the freedoms of users, and takes into account any potential commercial or third-party use. Software published should be assigned a persistent identifier such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI). 

As with research data, there are a set of guidelines: the FAIR Principles for research software, which can be found here.

GSI/FAIR open software licences are documented here .
For a guide on how to publish software at GSI, please refer to this link.

GSI/FAIR is a collaborating member of the Open-source Scientific Software and Service Repository (OSSR), which is an open-access repository for software collaborative development, uptake and reuse, developed within the ESCAPE project. The OSSR is intended for scientific researchers to share and find software and services. For more information on including software here, please contact open-science(at)gsi.de
Further information on the OSSR can be found here.

Public Money? Public Code!

GSI and FAIR adhere to the FAIR principles, which represent a commitment to responsible and efficient scientific research. Supporting the "Public Money? Public Code!" campaign demonstrates our dedication to transparency, collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The open nature of the software allows for global scrutiny and contributions, resulting in refined, efficient, and sustainable development. Dissemination before monetization is a core principle, aiming for positive impact rather than quick profits. Embracing open models enhances services, reputation, public support, funding, and fosters innovation.
Open software enables global scrutiny and contributions, leading to refined, efficient, and sustainable development. It reflects our commitment to excellence, meeting the high demands of critical infrastructure, physics experiments, and accelerator controls. Learn more.