Managing Open Source Software in Irish Universities [MOSS-I]

Dr Patrick Healy of University of Limerick and Lero presenting at the National Open Research Festival 2023 at the Royal Irish Academy
Managing Open Source Software in Irish Universities (MOSS-I) project logo with white background

Lead investigator:  Dr Patrick Healy, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems & Director of the Lero Open Science Programme Office (OSPO), University of Limerick. Patrick.healy@ul.ie

Lead administrative institution:  University of Limerick & Lero SFI Research Centre for Software

Funding call:  Open Research Fund 2023. Strand II: Open Research Stimulus

Project website: https://sfi-lero.github.io/OSPO/projects/moss-i/

National Action Plan theme:  Theme 3: Enabling FAIR research data and other outputs

Overview of the project: The goal is to “Create an Open Source Software Policy Framework for Irish Universities” with the follow general outputs:

  • Provide Guidance: Support Irish universities in identifying essential questions and concerns when engaging with open-source projects.
  • Provide Clarity: Provide clarity in the decision-making process around open-source goals and practices.
  • Address Challenges: Identify and address potential risks faced by institutions when considering their own OSS policy.
  • Share Best Practices: Share international and local best practices to ensure the developed framework is trusted, compliant and gives clear examples of implementation.

Resources and outputs:

Executive Summary: This report provides an update on the progress of our project, which is divided into five distinct work packages (WPs). Each WP is tailored to fulfill specific objectives crucial to the overall success of the project. We have achieved significant milestones in each WP, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and effective project management.

WP1: Current Situation Assessment / Project Scoping

  • Status: Completed
  • Key Achievements:
  • Task 1.1: Creation of a comprehensive Project Plan.
  • Task 1.2: Successful recruitment of a competent Project Manager.

WP2: Working Group to Draft Open-Source Strategy Framework

  • Status: In Progress
  • Key Achievements:
  • Task 2.1: Formation and planning of the Working Group to draft the Open Source Strategy Framework.
  • Task 2.2: Exploration of international best practices is underway.
  • Task 2.3: Initial drafts of the framework have been developed and are currently under review by the steering group.
  • Task 2.4: The final draft of the framework is yet to be published.
  • Additional Notes:
  • The steering group has convened three times and two more face-to-face workshops are planned.
  • External review of the MOSS-I Framework by renowned experts Matt Germonprez and Daniel Izquierdo is scheduled.

WP3: Conference to Present Framework

  • Status: In Progress
  • Projected Completion: Early September 2024
  • Planned Activities:
  • Task 3.1: Organisation and promotion of the conference.
  • Task 3.2: Hosting of the conference.
  • Task 3.3: Creation of persistent online assets under a Creative Commons license.

WP4: Outreach and Roadshows

  • Status: In Progress
  • Projected Timeline: May/June 2024
  • Key Activities:
  • Task 4.1: Organising the Irish HEI roadshow.
  • Task 4.2: Visits to Irish HEIs for roadshows and feedback collection.

WP5: Management

  • Status: Ongoing with 80% completion
  • Key Achievements:
  • Task 5.1: Recruitment of the Project Manager was completed.
  • Task 5.2: Regular Steering Committee meetings have been conducted.
  • Task 5.3: Working group meetings are ongoing.
  • Task 5.4: Reporting to the funding agency is up-to-date.
  • Task 5.5: The Data Management Plan has been published.

Additional project-related information:           The project is progressing well with WP1 completed and substantial progress made in other WPs. The involvement of esteemed experts in WP2 highlights the project’s commitment to quality and relevance in the field of open source and academia. The upcoming conference and roadshows in WP3 and WP4, respectively, will further consolidate our achievements and foster wider engagement. The management under WP5 ensures that the project remains on track and effectively coordinated. We are optimistic about the timely completion of all WPs and the successful realisation of the project’s objectives.

Three logos from the National Open Research Forum, the Higher Education Authority and the Government of Ireland