Course scope

The starting point is an analysis of changing approaches to conducting, publishing and disseminating research. Participants examine the principles of open science and key practices related to open access, self-archiving, open research data and scholarly repositories. Attention is also given to communication channels that extend the traditional model based on journals and academic monographs.

A significant part of the subject is devoted to the critical evaluation of research performance. Participants analyse bibliometric indicators, including the Impact Factor and h-index, considering both their applications and limitations. They examine the extent to which quantitative measures can represent the quality, significance and social impact of research, as well as the consequences of organising academic work around particular evaluation systems.

The programme addresses publication in international journals, the selection of publication venues, authors’ rights, publishing agreements and open licences. Particular attention is paid to informed decisions about sharing research findings, taking account of legal and institutional requirements, disciplinary practices and responsibilities towards research participants and other scholars.

The teaching approach reflects the view that openness is not merely a technical solution or a means of increasing publication visibility. It is also a research practice grounded in a willingness to share knowledge, expose methods and findings to critical scrutiny, and create conditions for cooperation. At the same time, participants consider the limits of openness, including confidentiality, intellectual property, data protection and unequal access to research infrastructure.

Examples are drawn from different disciplines so that participants can relate the issues discussed to their own research. The aim is not to promote a single publication model, but to develop the ability to select tools responsibly and participate consciously in scholarly communication.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the classes, participants are able to:

explain the main principles of open science and their relevance to research and dissemination;
compare traditional and open models of scholarly communication;
interpret bibliometric indicators critically and recognise the limitations of quantitative research assessment;
select appropriate publication channels, repositories and methods of sharing findings;
analyse key issues concerning authors’ rights, publishing agreements and open licences;
evaluate scholarly communication practices in relation to transparency, responsibility and research ethics.

Teaching methods

analysis of publishing models, journals, repositories and scholarly communication tools;
critical interpretation of bibliometric indicators and research evaluation examples;
case studies concerning copyright, licensing and access to research outputs;
workshop-based development of publication and dissemination strategies;
facilitated discussion of the ethical, legal and institutional boundaries of openness.

These methods connect knowledge of the research system with the analysis of decisions made by scholars at different stages of academic work.

Target group

The classes were designed for doctoral researchers in the biological sciences, psychology and related disciplines. They are relevant to early-career researchers preparing to publish findings, manage their academic output and use open scholarly communication tools responsibly.

Academic and professional relevance

The subject develops a critical understanding of publishing systems, research evaluation and knowledge circulation. It supports informed decisions concerning publications, research data, authors’ rights and the visibility of research findings.

These competencies are relevant to academic research, research project management, scholarly publishing, academic libraries and institutions supporting research. The subject strengthens responsibility for the quality, accessibility and credibility of scholarly communication.