Myths, Maps and Missions: Becoming an Open Researcher
Workshop Abstract
Do you want to engage in open research but don’t know where to start, or worry it might not be for you? Join us for Myths, Maps & Missions: Becoming an Open Researcher, a hands-on workshop that makes open research practical, accessible, and fun.
Together, we’ll break down barriers, bust myths, and get you actively experimenting with the tools and practices that make research more transparent and shareable. No lectures, no preaching, just interactive activities designed to meet you where you are in your open research journey.
We’ll kick off with a fast-paced Mythbuster Quiz, where you and your team will debate and challenge common misconceptions about open research (with a few prizes along the way). Then we’ll move into missions around the research lifecycle: in small groups, you’ll step into roles like Data Manager, Preregistrar, or Preprinter, and tackle real-world dilemmas researchers face every day. You’ll also create your own personalised research lifecycle map, making space to reflect on where openness fits your work.
You’ll leave not only with new skills and confidence, but also with practical tools, Irish-focused resources, and a clearer sense of the next steps in your open research journey.
About
Dr. Dermot Lynott has been working on open research practices and open education resources for more than a decade. Dermot was the lead for the NORF-funded TROPIC project, and has long been involved in developing and delivering training in open research practices (e.g., FAIR data, study preregistration, registered reports etc.), including as part of curriculum development for degree and masters programmes. Dermot has been involved in creating open research networks, setting up the Maynooth Open Research network in 2021, and previously at Lancaster University, he founded the Promoting Open Science Practices Group, the first of its kind for a psychology department in the UK. He is also a strong supporter of open access publishing, serving as action editor for the open access journal Collabra, and is the current Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of PsyArxiv, the largest preprint server for research in psychology.
Dr. Dounia Lakhzoum is a lead researcher on the NORF-funded TROPIC project, working with Dr. Dermot Lynott to develop and deliver training programmes, workshops, and a “train the trainer” event to build capacity in open research practices. She has contributed to training on FAIR data, study preregistration, registered reports, and raising awareness of questionable research practices, as well as mentoring researchers and supporting curriculum development in open research. Her work focuses on creating a discipline-agnostic curriculum that promotes transparency, rigour, and reproducibility across all Irish research institutions and research disciplines.