Open Research Toolkit
The Open Research Toolkit is a blended learning program designed to help neuroscience researchers and trainees move beyond the theory of Open Science and confidently implement open research practices into their own work.
Through a combination of self-paced online modules and interactive, in-person workshops, participants will develop practical skills in key areas of Open Science and learn how to apply them throughout the research lifecycle. The program focuses on real-world implementation, providing tools, resources, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes to their research practices.
The Toolkit currently includes seven training modules covering core Open Science concepts and practices relevant to neuroscience research. Participants can deepen their learning through hands-on workshops, opportunities for peer discussion, and a capstone project that demonstrates how they have integrated Open Science into their own research.
HBI trainees (graduate students and Post-docs) who complete the five core modules, attend three in-person workshops, and submit an approved capstone project are eligible to receive a $500 Open Research Toolkit Completion Award.
Whether you are just beginning your Open Science journey or looking to strengthen existing practices, the Open Research Toolkit provides the skills, community, and support needed to make open research a sustainable part of your work.
What You'll Learn
By the end of the REALISE module series, you will be able to...
- Explain the principles of open science
- Write data management plans, budgets, and grant applications that incorporate open science principles
- Complete pre-registration and identify protocol deviations
- Write an ethics application that shares human data
- Evaluate their work for openness and integrate open science principles into their projects
Asynchronous Modules
Everyone can take these online modules to gain knowledge on open science principles. The modules will help you integrate open practices into your work, review the following modules and starting building your toolkit!
By the end of this module, you will be able to...
- Name the elements of open science using the UNESCO framework
- Describe the reproducibility crisis and how it contributes to and impacts open science
- Name and explain the FAIR and CARE principles
- Explain how open science may differ between disciplines
- Discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating open science into your work
By the end of this module, you will be able to...
- Identify the elements of a data management plan
- Write a data management plan for your research
- Assess grant budgets for open science feasibility
- Describe funder requirements for open science
By the end of this module, you will be able to...
- List the importance of pre-registration and explain how it ensures open science principles are maintained
- Identify pre-registration models appropriate for your research
- Compare protocol sharing platforms
- Name methods of handling protocol deviations
- Write protocol documents and data sharing plans
By the end of this module, you will be able to...
- Describe the types of identifiers
- List the standards for de-identification and data sharing
- Explain the difference between broad consent and blanket consent
- Write a consent form section on open data science in lay terms for integration into your ethics application
- Identify a database that is appropriate for your data
By the end of this module, you will be able to...
- Describe the purpose and characteristics of preclinical models, including in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches, and their role in advancing neuroscience research
- Explain how open science principles, including transparency, reproducibility, and data sharing can improve the rigor and impact of preclinical neuroscience research
- Differentiate between face validity, construct validity, and predictive validity when evaluating preclinical models of neurological and psychiatric disorders
- Assess the strengths and limitations of different preclinical models by evaluating evidence for their validity using published datasets, protocols, and research findings
- Critically evaluate how concepts of validity can be applied to quantitative, survey-based, and qualitative data within an open science framework
By the end of the module, you will be able to...
- Identify and classify the required and recommended components of BIDS-compliant dataset, including file naming conventions, directory structures, and metadata files
- Apply the BIDS specification to organize raw neuroimaging and behavioural data into a standardized data structure
- Use BIDS validation tools to evaluate dataset compliance and interpret validation errors and warnings
- Compare and evaluate the advantages and limitation of standardized versus non-standardized data organization for data sharing, reproducibility, and computational workflows
- Design and implement a reproducible data management workflow that prepares neuroscience data for sharing, reuse, and downstream analysis within the BIDS ecosystem
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Compare and evaluate different open access publishing models and their implications for research accessibility, visibility, and equity
- Develop a data availability statement that accurately communicates the accessibility, location, and reuse conditions of research data
- Select and utilize appropriate preprint platforms to support the timely dissemination of research findings
- Prepare and deposit research data in an appropriate repository to support discoverability, accessibility, and reuse
- Prepare datasets and accompanying documentation for public sharing by ensuring data are organized, described, and compliant with ethical and legal requirements
- Identify appropriate levels of access and sharing permissions based on the sensitivity and intended use of the data
- Apply repository requirements to deposit research outputs in a trusted data repository
- Demonstrate how to share datasets through platforms such as PRISM and connect datasets to related research outputs, including publications and preprints
- Evaluate strategies for communicating research findings to diverse audiences, including researchers, policymakers, patients, and the public
- Analyze how research evidence can contribute to policy development and societal change
- Explain the value of citizen science, patient engagement, and lived-experience partnerships in enhancing research quality, relevance, and impact
- Evaluate the extent to which research questions, methods, and dissemination activities reflect the priorities and needs of people with lived experience
- Create an open dissemination and engagement plan that maximizes the visibility, accessibility, and societal impact of a research project
Hands on Workshops
Hands-on workshops provide HBI members, trainees, and staff with an opportunity to integrate open practices into their workflows meet other community members who practice Open Science. These workshops will be led by researchers, staff, and senior grad students at the HBI who have successfully implemented these skills into their own research.
Date: October 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: HS 1405A
Presenter: Open Science Committee Members
Date: December 14, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: HS 1404A
Further details coming soon.
Date and details coming soon.
Date and details coming soon.
Date and details coming soon.
Date and details coming soon.
Completing the Open Research Toolkit
Trainees and Postdoctoral scholars working under the supervision of a full HBI member are eligible to receive a $500 award for completing the toolkit and a capstone project.
To receive the award you must:
- Complete the 5 core modules
- Foundations of Open Science for Neuroscience Researchers
- Charting the Course: Planning and Funding Open Science in Neuroscience Research
- Building Bridges: Integrating Openness into Your Workflow
- Standardizing Neuroscience Data with README and BIDS: Foundations for Reproducible Research
- Open Dissemination and Engagement in Neuroscience Research
- Attend at least 3 in-person workshops
- Complete and submit a capstone project showing how you have integrated open science into your research
- submit your capstone project to hbi.education@ucalgary.ca, please review the Terms of Reference for instructions on finishing the capstone
- Draft Terms of Reference
