In January 2022, the Bibliometric Office in collaboration with the Research Observatory asked professors and researchers to express their views on their research style, publication and evaluation. A total of 584 surveys have been collected. The corresponding questionnaire, conducted anonymously, consisted of 37 closed-ended questions using a scale of values. Some of these questions focused on open access and data management in research projects: Do you publish open access? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on open access? Do you share your research data? If not, why?
More than 85% publish open access.
59% publish in open access occasionally. 24% claim to do it frequently. 2.5% always publish in OA, and 14.5% never do.
Main factors influencing the choice (or not) to publish in OA:
» Availability of funds
» Principle of knowledge sharing
» Greater likelihood of being cited
Obligations imposed by funding agencies influence over 60% of respondents. (Almost 50% have participated in international or national projects)
SEE DETAILED RESPONSES (italian)
More than 67% share research data
43% share data occasionally. 19% do so frequently, and 5% always share. Over 30% of survey participants do not share their data.
18% of those who do not share their data believe their data is not shareable.
Other reasons for non-sharing include:
» Desire for exclusive use of data in other publications
» Limited knowledge of technical management aspects
» Fear of misinterpretation and misuse by third parties
SEE DETAILED RESPONSES (Italian)
Reality or Prejudice? Information is needed.
Many think that open access diverts funds from research, while some believe it is an easier path to publication (in low-quality journals).
Data management aspects are generally given little consideration.
IT IS NECESSARY TO:
» Spread awareness about zero-cost publication strategies for professors and researchers.
» SHARE best practices for research data management and usage.
SEE DETAILED RESPONSES (ITALIAN)
@UNIMORE I Open Access and Research Data Survey