Science communication of RDA calls in the context of EOSC

The purpose is to describe the EOSC FUTURE funded RDA projects, their outcomes, as well as  the concept of EOSC to a wider scientific and general audience and to critically assess, present and create articles that make these concepts understandable, especially beyond the communities that are currently already working on them. Successful applications should consider the role of open science in open research, and the challenges that different research domains have in implementing open science.  The science communication expert is expected to work closely with the coordinating team to identify the success stories, and shape the concepts in a way to communicate them as effectively as possible. Non-standard tools, such as data visualisation or interactive platforms can be considered., .  

The following outcomes should be considered in successful applications:   

• Delivery of 4-5 professional science comms features, showcasing key elements of the calls underway  
• 1 generic article on the role of RDA in EOSC, and about the calls programme and an overview of the diverse activities
• Articles should show the impact of the calls on disciplinary research, the connection to EOSC, and the impact of the investment in this open call programme
• Showcase the impact EOSC has on researcher workflows

The work is expected to start in April and to be completed by September 2023, in order to coincide with the last phases of the projects as they prepare their deliverables. 

The project proposals will need to be submitted by using “apply now” on this EOSC Future Funding platform. You will have to describe your project plan, goals, milestones and intended impact in some detail. A consortium consisting of several organisations can apply, but a single legal needs to act as a contractual partner.

You need to submit your application by 17.04.2023.

RDA welcomes applications from people or groups who have an understanding of the Research Data Alliance, sharing of data, and FAIR-ification1 of data. These can be journalists, science communication professionals. They can be based in research groups or institutions, or SMEs across Europe, provided they meet the criteria below.

Criteria and conditions  

• The candidate must have a proven track-record of science journalism, with an interest in science, open science and equitable research and EU research funding mechanisms
• The candidate must also submit three published articles which demonstrate the ability to present complex scientific challenges in a clear and simple way  
• Have a good understanding of EOSC and the FAIR movement
• Reside and/or work in a EU country or associate countries 

Further conditions

This call is not open to members of the EOSC Future consortium, or individuals employed by any consortium entity. Staff working on the EOSC Future project (i.e. directly funded through a beneficiary (its department or unit executing EOSC Future activities), as a LTP or seconded personnel) are not eligible to apply for grants under the RDA Open Calls and will be asked to tick a Declaration of Honour box upon application.  

Applicants must declare in the application form they do not receive from other European Union project for similar activities. If you are unsure, please contact us.  

All successful applicants will have to provide a plan for a sound dissemination of the outputs created, openly licensed as per RDA’s recommendations that outputs are licensed as CC-BY.  A mid-term and final term report will be submitted, following a contractual agreement, highlighting progress, use cases and lessons learned.  

All results will be made available on the RDA site for 4 years. Successful applicants may be asked to share their details (photo, bio) for dissemination purposes.  

The work will need to be completed within 6 months within receipt of award. 

How your application will be evaluated: These are the criteria and weighting

Your proposal will take into account the RDA Guiding principles and demonstrate commitment to it. Proposals should drive the principles of openness and community activities.  

Candidates will be asked to submit an application that will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Excellence:   

A brief summary of previous and current activities with examples demonstrating the applicant’s journalistic and science communication experiences. This can include previous work in specifically communicating the outcomes of science projects in the European Union. (40%)  

A statement stating and illustrating the applicant’s understanding the vision of open science, RDA, EOSC, and the FAIR movement and/or European data infrastructures or similar federated infrastructures. (10%)

Impact:  

Applicants should put forward plans for exploiting impact of the projects. Methodology of application.  (25%)

Implementation (quality and efficiency):   

A summary of the proposed activity plan for the work and proposed features and these are relevant to RDA, EOSC and the specific disciplinary community. Discuss how RDA can be leveraged, how it benefits EOSC, the EC, and the disciplinary community. The proposal must be thought through, well-written, clear and demonstrate the methodology works. (25%)

Evaluators

The applications will be evaluated by experts with knowledgeable about the RDA and group recommendations who have no conflict of interest (the applicant is not employed by the evaluator’s organisation nor is/are the recommendation(s) a direct result of their work).

Word limit for applications  

The word limit for your application will be via fields in a form each with a specific word limit. You can start with an application and save it in the system to return to it later. You are allowed to upload accompanying documentation, e.g., project plan and methodology.