Novia achieves highest possible result in national monitoring of open science
Novia University of Applied Sciences has reached Level 5, the highest possible level, in the 2026 national monitoring of open science and research (AVOTT). The result marks a clear improvement from the 2024 assessment, when Novia was at Level 3.
The national monitoring of open science and research examines how Finnish universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutes promote openness. The monitoring aims, among other things, to support the development of open science and provide an overall picture of open practices within the organisations. The monitoring was carried out for the first time in 2022, followed by assessments in 2024 and 2026.
At Novia, open science involves much more than making research results and publications openly available. Novia’s policy is divided into four areas: open access publishing, open education and open educational resources, open research data and methods, and an open culture of scholarship.
Long-term work behind the result
Novia has worked systematically for several years to promote openness across the organisation. In 2023, these efforts were intensified in collaboration with experts from Åbo Akademi University. Since then, the work has continued within Novia through training, support materials and the development of internal practices.
“This is the result of long-term efforts. We started the process in 2023 together with Åbo Akademi University and have since continued the work within Novia. We can now see the results of the efforts that have been made,” says Otto Långvik, Head of Research Services.
An important part of this work is Novia’s steering group for open science, which includes representatives from different parts of the organisation and plays an overarching role in developing Novia’s open practices. As part of this work, an internal action plan was developed in 2024 and has since been updated and prioritised.
“Novia has taken further steps in open education. Compared with 2024, progress has been made particularly in the accessibility of learning resources and opportunities for the recognition of prior learning. At the same time, Novia has continued to develop support for teachers and students and to establish practices that promote quality and openness in education,” says Eva Sandberg-Kilpi, Vice President.
The development of degrees of the areas of open science and research at Novia UAS from 2022 to 2026. Source: tiedejatutkimus.fi
Open science does not, however, mean that everything should be open. Novia aims to make research results openly available whenever possible, while taking into account legislation, ethical considerations and the requirements of funders and partners.
“Openness also means being able to identify what should not be openly available. It is important that we are aware of how we handle data, materials and results,” says Otto Långvik.
Reaching the highest level does not mean that Novia’s development work is complete. Open science is a continuous process that needs to evolve in response to new national and international guidelines and changes in the operating environment. Novia is committed to following national and international guidelines and recommendations for open and responsible research, education and organisational culture.
The national monitoring model is also being developed. During 2026, work has been underway to update the principles for future monitoring rounds.
The next national monitoring will take place in 2028 and will follow a partly revised model.
Read Novia’s policy on open science, education and organisational culture.