What should I write about open science and FAIR data in my grant application?

Introduction

Funders have increasingly made open science and FAIR data part of their selection process and a condition for grantees. The resources below may help you familiarise yourself with the concepts of open science and the FAIR principles for data management:

• What is open science?
• How to make data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable)

Many funders are explicit about expected open science practices and often provide guiding material, both in the application form and in associated documentation.
 

Some generic advice for writing about open science

• Check guidelines, recommendations and requirements of the respective funder and call, and read the questions in the application form carefully. Evaluation criteria may help you identify aspects that you should focus on. Examples:
   
  • Open science and the proposal application - European Commission
  • Horizon Europe Programme Guide (chapter 17) – European Commission
  • Good to know before you apply – Formas
  • Requirements and terms and conditions - Vetenskapsrådet
     

• Be specific about how your particular project will approach open science, how it will be an integral part of your overall methodology and contribute to the success of the project. Demonstrate that you have thought this through and give concrete examples rather than copying and pasting generic phrases.
   
• Highlight your previous achievements in demonstrating open science. A track record of open access publications, data sharing, FAIR data management, stakeholder engagement etc. will speak in your favour. If you apply as a consortium, describe open science expertise among the involved partners.
   
• Refer to support and services available to you at SLU to meet open access and data management requirements in the project implementation phase, such as:
   
  • SLU Library - Open access agreements and discounts 
  • Data Management Support at SLU

Support 

SLU Data Management Support, including the Library and Grants Office, collaborate to provide advice and support with addressing open science including FAIR data management in the proposal stage.

• Proposal writing advice from Grants Office 
• Request a consultation | Data Management Support

• Questions on open access publishing? Contact library@slu.se.