Reproducibility starts with methods

Building a culture of openness and reuse

Abstract

Methods are one of the most reusable outputs that researchers create and detailed methods are essential for reproducibility, reuse of methods and responsible data reuse. Despite this, open methods have received comparatively little attention compared to other outputs, like open data, open code and open access publications. This talk explores actions that researchers, research institutions and departments, funders, and publishers and editors can take to enhance the quality of methods reporting in preprints and published papers. The talk will highlight some key recommendations for each of these stakeholder groups from the European Commission PRO-MaP (Promoting Reusable and Open Methods and Protocols) Science for Policy report. Coordinated action across stakeholders is essential to change research culture and practice. We’ll also explore opportunities to enhance methods reporting and other open science practices by shifting incentives for graduate students. The TREASURE program at the University of Coimbra rewards students for implementing reproducible, reusable and open research practices, including methods sharing, in their thesis research.