The Center for Open and Responsible Research (CORe) is the central BUA unit dedicated to strengthening research quality and promoting responsible, reproducible and transparent scientific practices. CORe develops training formats, guidance materials, and support structures that help researchers integrate open and responsible research principles into their daily work.
For postdocs, CORe offers support in several key areas:
- Open access publishing and data sharing
- Preregistration and research documentation
- Responsible research design and reporting
- Good scientific practice and integrity-related questions
Workshops, consultations, and online materials provide practical guidance for implementing these practices in individual projects. CORe also works closely with research data management teams and open-access services at the four partner universities, giving postdocs a BUA-wide perspective on policies and support options.
To support responsible and high-quality research, the BUA also provides a selection of guidelines, good-practice examples, and training resources. For an up-to-date overview of further courses and training opportunities, check the BUA’s official training catalogue.
Open science strengthens transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration, which are core elements of high-quality research. Within the Berlin University Alliance, open science is supported not only through institutional policies but also through a growing community of researchers who exchange knowledge, share experiences, and promote more open research practices. Postdocs can benefit from several resources and community formats.
Open Science Mailing List and Meet-upsThe BUA maintains an open science mailing list that keeps researchers informed about workshops, calls, events, and new developments. In addition, regular meet-ups offer a space for informal exchange, where researchers can discuss practical challenges, learn from peers, and explore how open and transparent workflows can be adapted to different disciplines.
Open Science FellowshipsThe CORe also supports researchers through Open Science Fellowships and the Open Science Ambassadors Program, which provide time, mentoring, and structural support for projects that advance transparent, reproducible, or participatory research practices.
Berlin Science SurveyThe Berlin Science Survey is a monitoring instrument for understanding how researchers engage with open science, collaboration, and research quality. Through its research and monitoring activities, CORe helps identify structural needs, monitor progress, and inform policy development, including contributions to the Berlin Science Survey.
Upholding research integrity is a core commitment of the Berlin University Alliance. All four partner institutions follow the guidelines of good scientific practice set by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and offer dedicated structures to support researchers in resolving concerns, addressing conflicts, and ensuring responsible conduct.
BUA Online Module on Good Scientific Practice
The BUA provides an online module on Good Scientific Practice, introducing key principles such as documentation, data handling, authorship, and dealing with conflicts. It is widely used as an entry-level or refresher resource for postdoctoral researchers.
Ombudspersons and Integrity Advisors
Each institution maintains independent ombudspersons who offer confidential, impartial advice in cases of suspected misconduct, authorship disputes, or conflict within research teams. These services are confidential contact points that help clarify procedures and direct researchers to appropriate support structures.
The BUA also provides a curated selection of guidelines, good practice examples, and training resources that support responsible and high-quality research, offering researchers quick access to good-practice examples and training materials related to research quality and integrity.
The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) is an international initiative that promotes fairer and more holistic approaches to evaluating research and researchers. Instead of relying heavily on journal metrics, CoARA encourages institutions to recognize a broader spectrum of contributions, including open science practices, mentoring, collaboration, teaching, and societal engagement.
The BUA is a signatory to the CoARA Agreement and has developed a joint Action Plan to implement these principles. The plan includes piloting narrative CVs, recognising a wider range of research contributions, reducing reliance on journal-based metrics, and providing training for reviewers and committees. As these reforms progress, postdoctoral researchers will benefit from more transparent, balanced, and diverse evaluation practices across the Alliance.