Introducing open practices into the research process is an ambition shared by many institutions, including the Berlin University Alliance (BUA), as reflected in its Open Science Mission Statement. Yet putting Open Science principles into practice raises important questions. How much openness do we actually want? And how do we balance transparency and reproducibility with legitimate concerns around data protection and confidentiality?

Dr. Timothy Feeney is an editor at the biomedical journal The BMJ, where he has played a key role in introducing the journal's data and code sharing policy. In his talk, he will share insights into the rationale behind the policy, its development and implementation, and the practical challenges encountered along the way.

The talk will be followed by a fishbowl-style panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jess Rohmann, leader of the Responsible Health Data Analysis Research Group at the QUEST Center for Responsible Research (Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Germany). The panel will include two representatives of the BUA's Open Science Ambassadors programme:

• Cristina Moreno del Castillo, MD, MSc, PhD, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Christoph Scheuch, PhD, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

An additional, designated chair will be kept open, allowing all audience members the chance to join in on the discussion at any time.

Together with Dr. Feeney, the panellists will explore what Open Science means in practice and how we can navigate competing demands. How do we weigh the benefits of openness against other legitimate concerns? What are the implications for data reuse, particularly in an era of rapidly advancing AI? And how do data-sharing policies influence researchers' decisions about where to publish? Ultimately, we’ll reflect on what responsible openness should look like, and where it is worth all the effort.

Following the panel discussion, all participants are warmly invited to join the speakers and Open Science Ambassadors for a reception and informal conversation.

For questions, please do not hesitate to contact:

Nele Hofmann

Berlin University Alliance

Objective 3 – Advancing Research Quality and Value

nele.hofmann@berlin-university-alliance.de