Programme Organization 2024-2026

The Open Science Programme was initiated as a initiative within the University of Groningen’s previous strategic plan, where it served as a spearhead for advancing openness, transparency, and collaboration in research and education. It continues to play a central role in the current strategic plan as one of the university’s thematic priorities. 

The programme is owned by the Rector Magnificus on behalf of the University Board and is implemented through a broad, university-wide collaboration that combines bottom-up and top-down approaches. This includes oversight by the Steering Committee, strategic coordination by the Chief Open Science and Programme Management, leadership within thematic pillars by Pillar Leaders, and active engagement through the Open Science Community Groningen and the network of Open Science Ambassadors. 

Steering committee

The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight for the Open Science Programme. Comprising representatives from across the University of Groningen and UMCG, the committee helps ensure broad alignment with institutional priorities, advises on programme direction, and supports the successful implementation of the university’s Open Science ambitions. 

Steering group members

• Casper Albers (Chair), Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences 
• Michiel de Boer, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Co-founder of the Netherlands Reproducibility Network, UMCG 
• Joost Frenken, Dean Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Vera Heininga, Assistant Professor and founder Open Science Community Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
• Marjolein Nieboer, Director University of Groningen Library
• Wiro Niessen, Dean of Faculty Medical Sciences, UMCG
• Naomi de Ruiter, Associate Professor and YAG Board Member, University College Groningen
• Maarten Schunselaar, Head of Talent, Funding & Quality, cluster Research & Impact
• Peter Timmerman, Director Education & Students, University Services
• Nolda Tipping-Griffioen, Chief Information Officer and Director Center for IT

Programme management

Programme management works across faculties, research institutes, service units, and external partnerships to advance the University of Groningen’s Open Science ambitions. It ensures alignment with institutional priorities and supports the development of policies, infrastructure, services, and communities that enable more open, transparent, and responsible research and education practices.

The Chief Open Science serves as a bridge between institutional strategy, operational implementation, and national developments. The role helps shape the university’s Open Science agenda and embed Open Science principles across research, education, and societal engagement. Representing the University of Groningen in national Open Science governance, the Chief Open Science contributes to the development of national policy and helps align institutional priorities with sector-wide developments.

• Ana Ranitović, Chief of Open Science and Open Science Program Manager, University Library (Interview with Ana on the Open Science Programme)
• Leon ter Schure, Project Manager Open Science Program, University Library

Pillar leaders

Pillar leaders provide operational leadership for the programme’s core themes. They are responsible for defining priorities and activities within their pillar, coordinating contributors and stakeholders, monitoring progress, and ensuring that pillar initiatives contribute to the overall goals of the Open Science Programme and the University of Groningen’s Open Science vision. 

Pillar Leader Open Access:

• Margreet Nieborg, Projectmanager/Head University of Groningen Press (UGP), University Library

Pillar Leader FAIR Data and Software:

• Yugyun Kim, Data Steward UMCG Digital Competence Centre

• Abby Toth, Data Steward UG Digital Competence Centre
• Marijke Verheij, Team Manager UG Digital Competence Centre

Pillar Leader Open Educational Resources:

• Estelle Meima, Curriculum Developer, University Services
• Manuel Pinto Reyes, Project Manager Recognising and Rewarding Open Science, University Services

• Jan Riezebos, Full Professor Educational Innovation & Academic Lead Teaching Academy Groningen

Pillar Leader Public engagement:

• Gabriela Matouskova, Project leader Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health
• Maaike Muller, Program manager public engagement
  

Pillar Leader Communications:

• Babette Knauer, Team Leader communication and Communication Advisor, University of Groningen Library
• Josca Westerhof, Communication Advisor, University of Groningen Library
  

Pillar Leader Community:

• Tiachi Ochi, PhD researcher, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and community manager of the Open Science Community Groningen

Open Science Ambassadors

Open Science Ambassadors are academics formally appointed by their faculty boards to support the implementation of the UG’s Open Science strategy within their faculties. They act as advocates and a sounding board on Open Science-related matters, helping to connect faculty perspectives with the broader university-wide programme. They also provide advice to their faculty boards and to the Open Science Programme, and participate in regular ambassador meetings to exchange experiences and align efforts across the university.