The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) is the coordinating body for the National Open Research Forum (NORF), the driving force behind the open research agenda in Ireland. Since 2022, DRI has supported NORF in administering the NORF Open Research Fund provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to deliver the actions outlined in the National Action Plan for Open Research 2022-2030. Read on for a round-up of recent NORF news, events, and open research developments in Ireland.
News
Launch of the 2025 Open Research Fund
The NORF 2025 Open Research Fund, launched on 27 March, is a targeted call aimed at existing networks established in response to the implementation of priority actions funded under the NORF 2022 Open Research Fund. The fund aligns with Action A3.4 of the National Action Plan for Open Research 2022–2030, supporting institutional and community networks. Submissions are due by 7 May 2025.
Dr Michelle Doran at the launch of RURM
A new national resource for the Responsible Use of Research Metrics (RURM) has been launched to promote fair and responsible research assessment practices. Designed to support researchers, institutions, and policymakers, the initiative encourages the adoption of responsible approaches to research evaluation. The official launch took place on 31 March at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), with Dr Michelle Doran, national open research coordinator, presenting at the event. The presentation is available to view on Slideshare.
Irish Translations of Recommendations and Roadmap for an Irish National PID Strategy
As part of our ongoing commitment to multilingualism in scholarly communication and in line with the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, NORF has published an Irish language version of Interoperability, Openness, and Impact: Recommendations and Roadmap for an Irish National PID Strategy. This initiative marks an important step in making key open research policies more accessible to all of our research community.
RDA national PID strategies interest group update
National Open Research Coordinator Dr Michelle Doran presented on Ireland’s National PID strategy and roadmap during the ‘National PID Strategies: Into the Futures’ session at the 24th Research Data Alliance (RDA) Virtual Plenary, held from 7–11 April 2025. The presentation highlighted Ireland’s approach to persistent identifiers in research, and is available to view on SlideShare.
Project news
New resource for RURM managers
The new national resource on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics (RURM) has been launched to advance fair and responsible research assessment practices. The initiative promotes the adoption of responsible approaches to research evaluation for researchers, institutions, and policymakers. You can register for the online module now on the NORF website.
ENGAGED collective intelligence workshops announced
From May to October 2025, five workshops will bring together researchers, policymakers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community voices to identify barriers and co-design solutions for greater public engagement in research. The project invites participation from across sectors, recognising the value of both technical expertise and lived experience. Follow ENGAGED on LinkedIn to stay informed and register your interest on the NORF website.
Events
TROPIC ‘Train-the-Trainer’ event
Are you interested in training the next generation of researchers in open research practices? Join the NORF-funded TROPIC (Training for Open Research in an Irish Context) team for a free in-person ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, from 10:00 to 13:00 at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Developed by Dermot Lynott and Dounia Lakhzoum from Maynooth University, this workshop offers a skills-focused, cross-disciplinary training experience designed to equip researchers with practical knowledge in open research. Places are limited, so be sure to register early on Eventbrite.
Register for the All-Island Research Culture Network’s 2025 Conference
The All-Island Research Culture Network’s 2025 Conference, Principles to Practice, will take place on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. This event brings together voices from across the island to explore how research culture can move from shared values to real-world impact. Co-organised by Queen’s University Belfast, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Technological University of Shannon, National Museums NI, and Agri-food and Biosciences Institute. Registration is now open and closes on Friday, 25 April 2025.
Opportunities
ECHOES funding first call
The Cultural Heritage Cloud (ECHOES) First Open Call is now live! Cultural heritage stakeholders are invited to submit proposals to contribute datasets to the Cultural Heritage Cloud. Apply by 15 May 2025 and register for the Q&A session on 17 April via the ECHOES Grants Programme webpage.
Research Ireland Interim Open Research Policy released
Research Ireland has released its Interim Open Research Policy, effective from 7 April 2025, applying to all research publications submitted from that date onward. The policy supports the National Action Plan for Open Research. This interim policy marks a step toward broader open research practices, with future updates set to expand coverage to a wider range of research outputs in line with international best practices. A fully updated policy is expected by the end of 2025. Read the policy on the NORF website.
RDA TIGER Cascade Grants 2025
The 2025 RDA TIGER Cascade Grants are now open for applications. Apply to adopt or develop RDA outputs that advance Open Science and EOSC interoperability. Open to RDA groups and external organisations—visit the RDA TIGER website to learn more and apply.
NORF is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Science through the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It is coordinated by the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI), which is headquartered under the legal entity of the Royal Irish Academy.
