Researchers who disseminate their research results in publications such as journal articles should ensure that it is clear to others what data the research was based on, how the data were obtained, how results were achieved, and that the steps in the research process are verifiable. This information is combined in a so-called publication package, which consists of all data, materials and information that are needed to replicate, reproduce, and assess the published research results.

Publication packages facilitate open science and research transparency, and they are therefore increasingly considered mandatory in universities. Each publication should have its own publication package.

Next to the importance of publication packages in the framework of open science, publication packages have practical advantages for researchers and co-authors themselves. Publication packages will help you keeping access to your data and to know exactly which important steps were taken during the research, also after the project has ended. This will not only help you replicating your method in future work, but it will also help you explaining your research to others (including journal reviewers and the panel of your PhD defense).

Workshop

In this workshop, we will dive into the different components of a publication package by looking at an example package. Furthermore, you are expected to bring your own data and materials and get started with creating a publication package for your own project. By working together with your peers during the workshop, you will receive immediate feedback on the usability and clarity of your package components for others. There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions to the instructors of the course, who are experts in research data management.

Entry level and relevance

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. You will get the most out of this course if you can bring your own data and materials, in order to get started with creating a publication package for your own project.