ABOARD are delighted to present the Summary Report of the ABOARD Self-Assessment Survey for for Research Funding Organizations (RFOs) in Ireland.

The findings indicate that there is very high awareness of Open Research and Responsible Research Assessment practices among Irish RFOs. Funders are acutely aware of their critical role in driving the adoption of these concepts. They also view their funding strategies as highly aligned with Open Research and responsible assessment principles, while still showing an appetite for additional implementation activity.

There is a strong call for alignment between all stakeholder groups. Funders would highly welcome a unified approach, such as national guidelines, infrastructure and common solutions to tensions arising from transitional Open Access agreements. Other priorities are the development of effective strategies for a stronger incentivisation of public engagement and evidence-based policy making.

This report complements the recently published results of the ABOARD self assessment for Irish researchers. Both outcomes fed into a series of collective intelligence workshops. The outputs will be presented in the form of a set of Declarative Statements in due course.

ABOARD will hold a capstone conference in early 2026 to present it’s final position paper and policy recommendations on Open Research and Responsible Research Assessment practices in Ireland. The event will be open to all interested members of the Irish research community – details will be shared soon.